By Scout Nelson
The 2026 harvest season for the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (OFRN) is nearing completion. While heavy rainfall across the eastern half of Nebraska slows some harvesting activities, several research plots in the Panhandle have completed their harvest.
In Grant, Nebraska, the dry edible bean and black-eyed pea variety study plots are finished. Only one corn study remains to be harvested in the area. These trials help researchers and farmers understand how different crop varieties and farming practices perform under local field conditions.
A short video highlights the OFRN project and shows important research activities, including treatment applications and the harvest of direct-harvest dry edible beans in the Panhandle.
How On-Farm Research Supports Farmers
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network works with farmers, Nebraska Extension educators and specialists to study agricultural products and farming practices. The main goal is to answer questions that affect individual farm operations and help producers improve productivity and profitability.
Nebraska Extension has been conducting on-farm research since 1995. Through this program, researchers and farmers work together to design field experiments using scientifically sound methods. Extension educators and specialists help create suitable plot layouts and research plans for each project.
Farmers then use their own land, equipment, and regular farming practices to establish and harvest the research plots. They also collect information from the trials. The network aims to continue each research project for at least three years. This longer period helps account for changes in weather, soil conditions, and pest pressure, which can affect crop performance.
After collecting the information, researchers compile and study the results before preparing recommendations. More than 100 OFRN projects take place across Nebraska each year.
Research Results and Farmer Resources
The network publishes its research findings in an annual printed report. Farmers can also access the reports and research information through the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website.
Results from 2013 onward are available online. The website also includes a Results Finder Database, which allows producers to search earlier research findings by county. These resources help farmers compare results and find information related to their local farming conditions.
Upcoming Research Events in 2027
The Nebraska OFRN plans to host the first National On-Farm Research Summit in Lincoln from February 16 to 18, 2027. The event brings together researchers, Extension professionals, crop consultants and farmers to discuss research methods, project planning, funding sources, data analysis, and other important topics.
Participants can register through the 2027 On-Farm Research Summit website.
In 2027, the network will also organize meetings across Nebraska to share findings from its 2026 research projects. Farmers can visit the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website after the start of the new year for registration details and information about nearby meetings.
The program receives partial support from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, and Nebraska Wheat Board.
Through field research, farmer partnerships, and educational events, the Nebraska OFRN continues to provide practical information that helps producers make informed decisions and strengthen their farm operations.
Photo Credit: pexels-tomfisk
Categories: Nebraska, Crops