An Opportunity for Illinois Farmers to Discover Agronomic Solutions
The On-Farm Trial Network, funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, is a program for Illinois farmers and organizations interested in participating in field-scale crop trials. The On-Farm Trial Network functions as the bridge between Illinois farms and the research generated by universities and industry experts. On-farm trials are an integral step in translating how small-plot or greenhouse research can apply to cropping environments. They allow for testing across a wider range of weather, soils and locations across Illinois.
2025 On-Farm Trial Network Report
2025 On-Farm Trial Network Report
Explore results from the 2025 Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) On-Farm Trial Network, including soil sample analysis, tissue testing data, in-season field scouting observations, sulfur response yield reports and full data review trial summaries. This report provides a clear look at how management decisions translated to measurable outcomes in Illinois field conditions.
Enrollment for 2026 On-Farm Trials is Closed – Sign Up to Participate in Future Trials
Enrollment for 2026 On-Farm Trials is Closed – Sign Up to Participate in Future Trials
Questions? Contact Deanna Burkhart, Producer and Field Services Administrator, at deanna.burkhart@ilsoy.org or 309-307-9366.
ISA on-farm research is evaluating several soybean management practices. Learn more about the 2026 On-Farm Trial Network Action Trials in the protocols linked below.
Cover Crops & Weed Suppression
The trial compares cereal rye, winter barley, and a no-cover control to assess their effectiveness in suppressing weeds such as waterhemp and their impact on soybean yields.
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
Foliar & Seed Treatment Insecticides
The trial evaluates whether insecticidal seed treatments or foliar sprays provide a return on investment by comparing treated and untreated soybeans. Researchers aim to identify which pests cause the most damage and determine the cost-effectiveness of different control methods.
Spring 2026
Sulfur Fertilization 2.0 in Soybeans
The trial compares soybean fields with and without sulfur fertilization to measure yield impacts across Illinois environments, with emphasis on early planting and no-till systems. Treatments include ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium sulfate, or gypsum, applied preplant or at planting, to determine the effectiveness of sulfur management in soybeans.
Spring 2026
Double-Crop Wheat & Soybean Management
The trial evaluates double-crop soybeans following wheat by testing three planting populations—180,000, 220,000, and 260,000 seeds per acre—to identify the most economical seeding rate. Results will help determine optimum populations that balance seed cost with yield in Southern Illinois conditions.
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
Types of Trials
Our agronomy team works with farmers and others within the industry to deploy and manage trials belonging to one of three categories:
Legacy
Trials
Long-term strip trials to evaluate the impact of cover crops and tillage on soil health. Currently looking to expand to more sites around the state.
Action
Trials
Flexible, replicated trials addressing relevant agronomic issues to provide actionable guidance on topics ranging from pest management to planting rates. They report findings and actionable guidance as soon as possible.
Demonstration
Trials
Less intensive trials, providing qualitative insights that provide an opportunity to highlight new products or practices.
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