Farm Journal Test Plots
Farm Journal Field Agronomists are launching the 2026 season, planting fields and starting to test the soybean innovations and management strategies that will deliver answers and insights farmers need.
“There might be ways for farmers to become more efficient with fertilizer while maintaining yield, but only by carefully analyzing each farm, field and soil management zone,” says Ken Ferrie. He shares 4 tips to cut fertilizer with confidence.
Could reducing your soybean seeding rate increase profit per acre by $40? In the right situation, yes. Make it a priority to dial in population, row width and plant characteristics for each soil type and planting date.
2024 Farm Journal Corn and Soybean College: Learn How to Ride the Waves of Farming’s Economic Cycles
This year’s program focuses on practices growers can use to thrive and keep their farms on track. Make plans to join Ken Ferrie and team for the event, which is slated for July 23 and 24 near Heyworth, Ill.
You’ve removed dense and compacted soil layers, balanced fertility and pH through the profile and set up your soil for vertical farming. Here are the final boxes to check to move away from horizontal farming.
Removing compaction and density layers before transitioning to a vertical system can add 15 bu. to 20 bu. per acre and might lower cost of production, according to Farm Journal Test Plot research.
What is vertical farming and how can it set you up for future government incentives? Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist, explains it often requires mixing and matching tools for primary and secondary tillage.
Some of your favorite hybrids might fizzle this year, but don’t cast them out of the lineup just yet. A Farm Journal Test Plot study reveals the impact of weather and adjusting practices to maximize yield of each hybrid.
In-field and classroom sessions will address making changes to your crop rotation, tillage systems or nutrient placement; managing early-planted soybeans; evaluating below-ground issues that impact corn yields; and more.
Harvest is wrapping up for the Farm Journal Test Plots. Ken Ferrie shares preliminary observations on soybean planting date, 15" versus 30" rows, sulfur products, corn planter fertility and corn fungicide plots.
For several years, Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, has been in the market for a planter — specifically a corn planter she could call her own to use in plots.
Farm Journal Test Plot data shows an earlier harvest can reap up to 15 bu.
Match hybrids to offensive and defensive management zones.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Missy Bauer has found the amount a hybrid flexes is dependent on the year and environment but how it flexes is consistent. The same is true for length and depth of hybrids.
April planting increased yield even with a freeze.
Gated tile systems can help deal with troublesome issues.
Soil density and water availability significantly impact corn development, as the Farm Journal test plots reveal.
But downforce pressure and ground contact are keys to fully capitalize on benefits.
In this interactive eBook, Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie offers advice on how to review your equipment balance sheet.