The 2026 Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (OFRN) plot harvests are coming to a close. Significant precipitation in the eastern half of the state has slowed some harvest, but in the Panhandle, the dry edible bean and the black-eyed pea variety study in Grant, NE OFRN plots are completed, with one corn study left to go.
The Nebraska Extension On-Farm Research Network educators and specialists work with producers to answer their questions about agricultural practices and products as they relate to their farming operations and fields. Since 1995, Nebraska Extension has conducted on-farm research projects on producers’ fields to help answer these questions and increase the profitability and effectiveness of their operations.
Nebraska Extension OFRN educators and specialists work with producers to design a scientifically valid experimental field-size plot layout and protocols. Assisted by the OFRN educators, the producer uses his own land, equipment, and practices to establish and harvest the plots to obtain data. The OFRN likes to conduct these projects for at least three years to account for weather, soil, and pest conditions that may arise during the trials. The data is analyzed, compiled, and recommendations are made. OFRN conducts more than one hundred projects each year across the state.
The OFRN data is published in a hard-copy annual report and is also available online at the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website, Nebraska On-Farm Research Network | Nebraska. Nebraska OFRN results from 2013 to the present are also found at the website. Other tools on the website, such as the Results Finder Database, help producers find results from previous OFRN projects searching by county.
The Nebraska OFRN will be hosting the first 2027 National On Farm Research Summit in Lincoln on February 16 – 18, 2027. This event will bring together researchers, extension, crop consultants, and most importantly producers to discuss strategies, structure, funding sources, data analysis, and other topics. requesting
host the first 2027 National On-FarmIn 2027, the Nebraska OFRN will also host 2026 on-farm research results meetings to review data from projects statewide. Check the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website to register and attend a meeting near you. The results meeting registration information will be available after the first of the year.
The Nebraska OFRN is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, and the Nebraska Wheat Board.
For a producer requesting an OFRN study in Box Butte County drop by the Extension Office or call 308-762-5616.
