Missouri farmers use on-farm research to test seeds, optimize nitrogen and boost yields.
For Missouri soybean farmers, the path to a successful harvest is paved with countless decisions, each carrying the potential to make or break a season. Increasingly, growers are turning to on-farm research to navigate these complexities, testing products and practices in real-world conditions to inform their crop plans.
One farmer who has spent more than 15 years conducting on-farm trials says the insights gained are invaluable.
“Input suppliers make many claims about why their products will outperform the competition — whether it’s seed varieties, crop-protection products or fertilizers,” said Aaron Porter, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) past chair and farmer from southeast Missouri. “Knowing how they actually perform in our soil and environment gives us the confidence to make decisions by which we can stand.”
Testing Seed Varieties
To make these tough decisions, Porter conducts variety trials each year with various seed companies. These trials provide an unbiased evaluation of how different seed options perform under local conditions.
“This past season, some of the newer varieties struggled with disease pressure, including anthracnose and phomopsis, after extended wet periods during seedling emergence,” said Porter. “One variety, forecasted to be widely planted in 2025, failed miserably. Testing it before committing significant acreage was a lesson in why on-farm trials are critical.”
Optimizing Nitrogen Use
Another key focus for Porter has been improving nitrogen use efficiency in corn, particularly in low-organic soils where timing, application levels and nitrogen sources are crucial. Collaborating with Helena and researchers from the University of Mississippi, he designed multi-year trials to analyze soil and tissue nitrogen levels, biomass imagery and yield data.
“These trials allow us to fine-tune our nitrogen strategy, applying the right amount at the right time and place to maximize return on investment,” Porter said. “Through this research, we’ve developed plans that deliver the most yield at the lowest cost.”
Pushing Soybean Maturity Boundaries
Porter has explored the potential of planting earlier maturity groups in soybeans to spread risk and improve cash flow. He shared that this past season, mid-late Group 3 soybeans performed well, offering an earlier harvest window without sacrificing yield.
“Cutting early beans in late August, ahead of corn harvest, helped spread out the workload and brought in cash flow sooner,” said Porter. “This coming season, we’re working into mid-Group 3s. I suspect we’ll soon reach the limit on our ability to close the canopy on 36-inch rows to suppress weed growth, but I’m excited to see how it plays out.”
Tools for Farmers
For growers interested in starting their on-farm research, MSMC offers resources and support. Programs like the Missouri Variety Testing Program and the Soybean Research & Information Network provide data and insights that help farmers design effective trials.
“I recommend starting small and focusing on a question that’s been gnawing at you, such as whether a fungicide is worth the investment or if a new fertilizer can boost yields,” Porter said. “Leverage the existing research from organizations including MSMC to avoid reinventing the wheel.”
Building Resilience
On-farm research is not without its challenges, particularly as companies accelerate the pace at which new products come to market.
“It can be frustrating when a variety is dropped from the lineup just as we figure it out,” Porter said. “But the process is always worth it because it helps us stay ahead of the curve.”
Ultimately, Porter said, on-farm research is about stacking the odds in favor of success. Every farmer benefits from some level of research, whether formal or informal. It’s work, but the payoff is worth it — better decisions, stronger plans and more confidence going into each season.