On farm research | UMN Extension

How to do research on your farm

Learn what it takes to set up an on-farm trial, so that you can be confident it its results.

Learn what to look for in a study site.
Learn the importance of randomization and replication.
Understand variability and how to interpret your results.

On-farm research video and fact sheet series

This series was created as part of the 2017 North Central Region Agriculture and Natural Resources Academy.

1. On-farm comparisons

Replicated comparisons vs. side-by-side comparisons (printable PDF version)

3. Understanding the least significant difference

What do you mean 5 bushels an acre is not significant? (printable PDF version)

2. Setting up an on-farm trial

Setting up an on-farm research trial (printable PDF version)

4. Blowing the whistle on ag marketing claims

Blowing the whistle on marketing claims (printable PDF version)

© 2025 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.