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.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie explains how to optimize hydraulic downpressure and closing systems to achieve uniform emergence, picket-fence stands and maximum yield across every soil type and condition.
Hardware and technology changes can help farmers overcome the “residue hurdle,” achieve more uniform stands and accomplish robust early-season growth in 15" soybeans.
Planning for next season? Review the expert insights and recommendations from farmers and field agronomists on how to reduce costs and strategically reallocate resources.
This year’s program features all new agronomic content to help farmers grow and harvest high-yielding crops. Two of the key sessions: selecting a corn planter that’s right for your farm, and developing a systems approach to success with early-season soybeans. We look forward to seeing you there!
As one of the most important early season nutrients, Farm Journal field agronomist Ken Ferrie explains the best way to manage phosphorus is one you’ve probably heard of before.
Take a controlled, calibrated approach to the process, advises Ken Ferrie. That will help you build a framework for high yields next season and protect soil nutrient levels in the process.
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.
Residue might hamper uptake, surface cover slows soil warming and most cover crops raise the carbon penalty. Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie shares timing and placement tips for phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen.
Farm Journal Test Plot research proves practices that reduce soil disturbance and sequester carbon perform best in a vertical farming system, as opposed to horizontal tillage, which creates yield-limiting soil layers.
Once you balance fertility and pH in the soil profile, and adjust to making small, more frequent lime applications, you probably won’t need to mix fertilizer into the soil, says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist.
Jay and Cara Myers take farm to new heights with test plots, data
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.
Corn yields can swing 100 bu. to the positive or negative in some hybrids today based on nitrogen use that supports kernel depth. Tune into hybrid characteristics, and avoid “gapping” nitrogen and volatilization.
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.
Farm Journal Test Plots show strong yield responses to placement, product combinations.
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 Ken Ferrie shares what he’s learned through the years to add on bushels.
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.