About the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation
The Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation launched in 2020. The goal: to deliver the very best farmer-led research combining agronomic, conservation and analytics tailored for soybean farmers. The Center integrates what were the On-Farm Network, Environmental Programs and Services and Analytics programs to better serve Iowa’s 40,000 soybean growers.
As a credible, trustworthy, and reliable resource for farmers, our team works at the intersection of cropping system solutions, data and spatial science analytics, and outcome-based natural resource management. We are driven to deliver innovative research, tools, and technical support to assist farmers when considering big picture management decisions for short- and long-term sustainability and profitability. We actively work to engage farmers by taking this holistic approach at developing systems and practices to help you maximize your overall operation, one acre at a time!
“Our expertise, experience, expansive data sets and farmer-focused approach are unique in providing value to Iowa soybean farmers because of the investment made by Iowa soybean farmers. We’re uniquely positioned to deliver innovative and transformational research, tools and technical assistance. We’re excited about the future and enabling farmers to thrive despite the challenges and uncertainties that accompany every growing season,” says ISA Sr. Research Director Ed Anderson.
This holistic approach to soybean research is about developing systems and practices that are more profitable, resilient and sustainable. Soybean farmers wanting to boost profitability through improved data, information and decision tools related to agronomics and conservation have a team at the ready to help make the most of every acre and growing season. This new approach to production and conservation research brings greater value by tailoring data for the unique geographic and agronomic settings of each operation.
“There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. Each farm has unique circumstances that require an individualized plan of action. We are positioned to deliver insights and recommendations for agronomy, conservation, natural resource management, engineering and data analytics for the individual farmer," says Tim Bardole, former ISA President and Rippey soybean farmer.
The Research Center for Farming Innovation also:
- Leverages soybean checkoff investments with additional non-checkoff sources;
- Strengthens partner relationships with Iowa State University’s Soybean Research Center and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center;
- Collaborates with other farm and commodity organizations, state and local agencies and companies engaged in seed, crop protection, precision and digital agriculture; and
- Broadly accelerates farming advances for profitability and sustainability.
The Center is poised to assist farmers considering big picture operational decisions for short- and long-term profitability with a suite of research and decision-making tools. ISA researchers help farmers take a programmatic approach to continuously improve their overall operations with an eye on maximizing economic returns.
Let us help you find the right opportunity for your farm.
Talk to one of our expert staff members about one of these broad topics or
fill out the interest form to let our team know what you are interested in participating in or learning more about.
| Healthier Soils |
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Strategically advance soil health management and increase production and sustainability on your farm. Engage with RCFI as we work to apply innovative solutions to increase soil organic matter, manage nutrients, and prevent erosion.
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| Cleaner Water |
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Nutrient and natural resource management have a direct impact on your profitability. RCFI’s integrated approach to agronomics, conservation, and analytics is unique and highly effective at producing practical solutions to these resource challenges.
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| Cropping Systems |
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A well-managed, profitable operation starts with an effective, high-yielding cropping systems approach. RFCI actively works to engage a farmer on developing and implementing management strategies specific to your farm and supports data-driven decision-making tools to help you increase crop production and lower input costs.
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| Marketable Services |
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There are more opportunities than one to add to your bottom line. Let RFCI help you leverage funding to acquire resources, increase the value of your crop, or profit from outcome-based natural resource management.
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