Farmer-Driven Research Contest Yields Exciting Results

By Tanner Hood
A new competition-style, data-development project is allowing farmers to impact crop production research results through Auburn University’s (AU) Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS).
AU College of Agriculture Professor and Alabama Extension Specialist Brenda Ortiz said Alabama farmers participated in the inaugural TAPS program by “competing” against other producers in two corn-growing categories — highest input use efficiency and highest net return. The Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff sponsored the program.
“We call it a competition, but we’re really trying to work with producers to exchange knowledge and ideas,” Ortiz told participants during a results presentation at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office Dec. 10. “This project happens because of the commitment and collaboration of the farmers, industry professionals and organizations that invest in these programs. Hopefully, we can learn from each other based on what we’ve done this year.”
Seven pairs of farmers were tasked with raising the top corn crop during 2024. Teams managed inputs and finances on three 1-acre plots at AU’s E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter. The center’s research team then applied the recommendations.
Talladega County’s Jeremy Wilson and Clay Campbell had the highest net return and received $2,000. Wilson and Campbell also finished with the highest input use efficiency, netting another $1,000. Brad Smith and Eric Lee of Dallas County finished second and received $600, while Pike County’s Will Curtis finished third and earned $400.
Wilson said participating in TAPS proved more valuable than he anticipated.
“I initially had no idea what to expect out of TAPS, but after knowing what we’ve learned, I’m excited about where it’s going,” said Wilson, the Federation State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee chair. “I think there is a chance for us to find substantial information regarding why other producers make the decisions they do. Farmers will look at this research differently because it comes directly from us, the producers.”
Wilson said the state committee’s goal is to use checkoff dollars to fund projects that have a high return on investment.
“This committee works diligently to allocate money to necessary research and other educational opportunities,” Wilson said. “It’s important for us as Federation members to support and participate in opportunities like this because of the benefits for everyone.”
With TAPS continuing in 2025, Wilson said he looks forward to learning from fellow farmers.
“Beginning next year, when we tell the research team to do something to the crop, we are going to have to explain why we’re doing it that way,” Wilson said. “Being able to see the reasoning that goes into those decisions can help us make better choices and gives the research team a different perspective.”
Streamlining processes and adding a comment section are priorities for 2025, Ortiz said.
Federation Wheat & Feed Grain Division Director Carla Hornady said she hopes to continue fostering intersections of research and on-farm practices.
“Research that incorporates decisions actively being made on farms with best management practices is always productive for our members,” Hornady said.