What is the Soybean On-Farm Trial Program? The North Carolina Soybean On-Farm Trialing (OFT) Program was initiated in 2020 as a collaborative effort between N.C. Cooperative Extension and the NC Soybean Producers Association. This program leverages the talent and resources that N.C. Cooperative Extension has at the local level to conduct on-farm research in strip trials that synergizes research being conducted in small plots by the NC State Soybean Extension program. This program amplifies the reach of the soybean checkoff by providing more touch points across rural North Carolina. Annually, the program runs on-farm research trials that compliment the research being conducted in small-plot across the state. You can view previous protocols and results.

How can I participate in the soybean OFT program? Extension Agents execute OFT trials with their farmers at the local level. What is provided to execute the trials and what is needed from the farmer varies by protocol.  We ask farmers to plant and harvest the tests with the assistance of County Extension Agents. You can see previous examples of protocols.

2023 Soybean OFT Protocols: The 2023 Soybean OFT protocols will focus on foliar fungicide use and biologicals. If you have interest in hosting a soybean OFT, please reach out to your County Extension Agent.

In this video, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent MiKayla Berryhill (Granville/Person) and farmer Hunter Thomas, with Thomas Family Farms, discuss their experience conducting a soybean OFT trial on foliar fungicides in 2022.