From test plots to full fields: The value of field-scale trials and opportunities for farmers in 2026
On March 4, Alberta Grains and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology brought together farmers for a free webinar exploring the important role of on-farm research and why it can be a strategic business decision. The session highlighted how research conducted at multiple scales, from structured strip trials to data-driven full-field experiments, is helping producers make more informed management decisions.
The webinar opened with an overview of the Plot2Farm program, presented by Jeremy Boychyn and Rob Dunn, on behalf of Alberta Grains. Plot2Farm, now in its seventh season and with nearly 50 trials conducted, supports producers in conducting replicated and randomized trials under real farm conditions. The program adapts research from small-plot research into practical, farm-ready protocols that can be implemented with the support of an agronomist.
“On-farm research plays a fundamental role in bolstering farm-specific agronomic decisions. When producers have these data points in hand, they combine them with broader insight to make more informed decisions.” explained Boychyn.
Plot2Farm generates results that are both locally relevant and impactful. Building on a history of exploring agronomic questions like fungicide timing and bio-stimulants, the program is targeting up to 15 trials for the 2026 season. These upcoming trials will provide producers with critical data on seeding rates, plant growth regulators, nitrogen rates and sources, variety trials and more.
Building on the importance of on-farm research, presenters from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, Dr. Felippe Karp and Daniel Stefner, introduced farmers to a newer approach: On-Farm Precision Experimentation (OFPE). First piloted in 2024 with in-kind support from Alberta Grains, the project applies advanced data analytics and machine learning to evaluate variability within a single field.
Using the Data-Intensive Farm Management platform, originally developed by Dr. David Bullock at the University of Illinois, OFPE trials divide fields into smaller management zones using patterns such as checkerboards or Latin squares. These designs allow researchers to test different input rates across a field and analyze how varying factors like soil type and topography influence crop performance.
“The methodology and platform make on-farm research quite simple; we’re using the variable rate capabilities of producers’ existing seeding equipment to lay down the plots in a design that suits their equipment and management practices.” said Stefner. “All trials are producer driven; they guide the rates tested and trial design, so seeding activities are largely unaffected by participating.”
The main difference is that Olds College provides the A-B lines for both seeding and harvesting to ensure the collection of high-quality data. From there, researchers use the raw as-applied and raw yield data to conduct the analysis.
Early results from Alberta trials are promising. In 2024 and 2025, a total of 15 trials were conducted. Findings showed that in 71 per cent of cases, input rates could be reduced without sacrificing yield, while 10 per cent of trials suggested increasing rates. The remaining 19 per cent confirmed that current practices were already optimal.
“The key with these results is that each participating producer is learning what the economically optimal seed and/or nitrogen rate is for their field, with the management practices they use, under the conditions they experienced during that growing season. Wouldn’t you like to know if the rates you are using are the optimal rates for your fields” noted Stefner.
For producers interested in participating, the OFPE program is seeking farms with fields larger than 100 acres that show natural variability and are representative of their operation in general. Participants should have experience with variable-rate applications and calibrating yield monitors. Farmers retain ownership of their data and have the option to participate anonymously.
Looking ahead, the program is targeting 25 trials per year in Alberta between 2026 and 2028, they will also be expanding into Saskatchewan with 5 trials in 2026 and 10 trials in 2027.
Together, Plot2Farm and OFPE demonstrate how on-farm research continues to evolve, offering farmers practical tools to test, adapt and optimize their management decisions at both the plot and whole-field scale.
Farmers who missed the webinar can watch the recording on Alberta Grains YouTube channel here.
Producers interested in participating in the Plot2Farm program are encouraged to contact Rob Dunn at rdagric@gmail.com, while those looking to get involved in OFPE can email ofpe@oldscollege.ca.