The Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, formed in 1930, is the oldest farm in the history of the outlying research farms that partner with and support research conducted by Iowa State University. This 173-acre farm is owned by the North Central Iowa Research Association that is currently comprised of 68 members and managed by a 19-member board of directors.
The farm research projects are conducted by the work of a farm superintendent, an ag specialist and part-time summer help. Additionally, numerous Iowa State faculty, staff and extension specialists lead research projects and conduct extension and outreach events at the farm annually.
Research conducted at this farm is essential to farmers and agricultural business partners located across north central Iowa. Tillage and soil fertility trials are conducted on soil types represented in north central Iowa. Soil fertility research on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium have been conducted since the 1960s. Crop response experiments on sulfur, micronutrients and manure have been conducted since the 1980s. These long-term experiments are particularly useful to study effects over many years because these studies cannot be conducted on farmers' fields. These research results from the Northern Research and Demonstration Farm have created information and nutrient management recommendations that have been used extensively by farmers and agribusiness.
Other research includes date of planting trials for corn and soybeans, white mold impact on soybeans, soybean cyst nematode research, cover crop variety trials, small grains variety testing, foliar fungicide timing in corn and many other projects.
Future projects include topics such as drainage tile water nitrate research for agronomic and environmental benefits, regenerative crop production and the carbon market, and agronomics of precision technologies, including imagery and variable rate seeding.
Why new and upgraded facilities?
The Northern Research and Demonstration Farm educates and inspires hundreds of visitors each year, including students and adults, through its programming and research. Support for these improvements to the farm will allow staff to continue, and further enhance, their public programming.
Funds from this campaign will help with the construction of:
- lobby/welcome area
- offices for farm staff
- small meeting room
- large multi-use area
- restrooms (ADA compliance)
- kitchenette
How can you help?
Total sponsorship goal: $500,000
To contribute toward the farm's Expanding the Impact: Research and Learning Center Sponsorship Campaign:
- ISU Foundation's ISU Research Farms General Fund
- Make a gift of grain
- Donate grain - Contact Farm Superintendent Matt Schnabel, mschn@iastate.edu, to obtain contact information for local co-ops.
Monetary contributions can also be sent to:
North Central Iowa Research Association
310 S. Main Street
Kanawha, IA 50447
For more information, please contact Nick Van Berkum: nvanberk@iastate.edu or 515-450-6591.