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Iowa farmer discusses importance of on-farm research

A northwest Iowa farmer says on-farm research has been one his biggest priorities in recent years.

Brent Swart raises soybeans and corn near Spencer with his brother Steve.

“We’ve done nitrogen research, we’ve done fungicide research on both corn and soybeans, and we’ve done some aphid insecticide research,” he said. “Some of the foundational ones we’ve done are the soybean planting populations.”

He tells Brownfield his goal is to help other farmers increase the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their fields.

“It’s really been valuable for our operation to test new products, test new management practices, and to look at some of those conservation practices that many farmers are looking at.”

Swart, who currently serves as president of the Iowa Soybean Association, says he works with the Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) to conduct his field trials.

“Trying to refine what we’re doing,” he said, “and also contribute to the database we’re building across the state to provide answers for all the farmers across the state of Iowa.”

He says on-farm research helps bring value to farmers who face low soybean prices and the threat of ongoing challenges.

Swart made his comments on a recent episode of The Soybean Bulletin, a content partnership between Brownfield and the Iowa Soybean Association. The segment can be viewed below.