Practical recommendations for researchers engaging in on-farm research

Authors: RODGERS, HANNAH - University Of Wyoming; LINK, EMMA - Practical Farmers Of Iowa; SHILPAKAR, CHANDAN - Colorado State University; JACKSON, ERIN - Colorado State University; Porensky, Lauren; Miner, Grace; SEBADE, BRIAN - University Of Wyoming

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2026
Publication Date: 6/29/2026
Citation: Rodgers, H., Link, E., Shilpakar, C., Jackson, E., Porensky, L.M., Miner, G.S., Sebade, B. 2026. Practical recommendations for researchers engaging in on-farm research. Agronomy Journal. 118(4). Article e70467. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70467.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.70467

Interpretive Summary: On-farm research happens when farmers and scientists work together to test farming methods on real, working farms. This type of research can be useful for solving social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture. However, it can also be more challenging than other ways to do research. This paper describes four main challenges in on-farm research: meeting the goals and needs of farmers and researchers, managing time and resources, making sure experiments are designed well, and handling risks like data ownership, accountability, fairness, and trust. We then suggest practical strategies to avoid problems, such as making decisions together, measuring results that matter to both scientists and farmers, keeping plans flexible, setting clear expectations, and meeting regularly. These recommendations can lead to stronger partnerships and build farming systems that are adaptable and sustainable.

Technical Abstract: Though on-farm research is crucial for addressing agricultural needs, it presents challenges that can derail projects if not addressed. Unlike small plot or greenhouse studies, on-farm research evaluates tradeoffs in real-world systems, offers access to diverse environments, and relies on farmer-researcher collaboration. The resilience and productivity of our agricultural systems depends on continual experimentation and innovation, and successful on-farm projects empower farmers to evaluate and adopt practices that support social, financial, and ecological well-being. However, implementing research on working farms and coordinating among diverse viewpoints comes with significant complexities. In this paper, we identify four main challenges in on-farm research: 1) Meeting the different needs and goals of farmers and researchers, 2) Coordinating and accounting for time and resource needs, 3) Maintaining clean data and experimental design, and 4) Managing risks related to reputation, data sovereignty, power imbalances, biases, and accountability. We detail how these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful planning before, during, and after an on-farm project and offer examples from our own work. For instance, farmers and researchers should make decisions collaboratively, include outcomes relevant to both parties, maintain flexibility, and set clear, reasonable expectations. Researchers should simplify experimental designs where possible, educate themselves on transdisciplinary research ethics, and hold regular meetings to address issues. This paper offers practical recommendations to help researchers avoid common pitfalls in order to promote successful farmer-researcher partnerships that advance agricultural adaptation for a resilient future.