On-Farm Research
On-Farm Research
Collaborative, farmer-driven research partnerships across Wisconsin to support farms in adopting innovative, environmentally, and financially sustainable practices
“It’s all about good, local data for our area that local farmers can use. This is a 4-year study to create a good database and understand best management practices. I believe that good yield and water quality can both exist and can benefit everyone.”
– Independent Agronomist, NOPP participantRead more quotes from Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Project participants here.
Supporting farmers in research and demonstration to investigate practices aligned with their unique goals and systems, and find innovative and sustainable solutions to Wisconsin’s agricultural challenges.
Why on-farm research?
Farmer-driven, on-farm research is extremely valuable to inform management decisions, promote practice adoption and support the economic, environmental and social well-being of Wisconsin farmers.
“We need to continually update research. Without data, it’s like driving in the dark and turning out the lights. Climate is changing, agronomy is changing. Our needs change. Costs, including what we recognize as the cost of runoff and pollution, change as well.”
– Farmer, NOPP participantRead more quotes from Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Project participants here.
View resources, research protocols, and more to get started with on-farm research
Browse actively recruiting research projects and choose one that aligns with your interests
Find results from on-farm research in Wisconsin. Sort by location, crop, soil type and more.
Connect with Extension
Looking for assistance using any of these resources or would like support developing and implementing a research project of your own? Reach out!
Meet your local agriculture educator to get started.
Get initial questions answered, and get connected with UW–Madison Extension.
Sign up for email reminders through the Wisconsin Crop Manager.
We send regular updates on research activities and opportunities for involvement.
Connect with our On-Farm Research Team.
Find ongoing opportunities for involvement, learn skills in conducting effective on-farm research, and more.
Connect with your local Extension educator, outreach specialist or the on-farm research coordinator to receive support with:
- Developing a research question and study design
- Collecting data: what to measure, protocols and technical support
- Utilizing precision ag technologies, including writing prescriptions for trial implementation and analyzing yield monitor data
- Data analysis and figures
- Research summary report
- Sharing your results
Our Partners
Extension partners with farmers, agronomists, county land and water conservation departments, faculty, and state, federal, and non-profit partners to support research that matters to Wisconsin farms.
Interested in collaborating? Let’s connect!
News
Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program
The Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) is designed to encourage agricultural producers to develop innovative approaches to optimize the application of commercial nitrogen for a duration of at least two growing seasons.
NOPP is a grant program funded by the State of Wisconsin, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and supported by the University of Wisconsin– Madison Department of Soil Science and Division of Extension.