On farm, county level research has always been an important aspect of Hardin County Agriculture Extension Programming. One of the longest lasting, most utilized research programs in Hardin County are the Corn and Soybean Variety Trials.

As seed companies continue to release more technology through new corn and soybean hybrids, unbiased, local, research based, variety trials that showcase how these new hybrids perform in Hardin County, under our farmer’s own unique growing conditions and management have become increasingly important. The Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with the Hardin County Grain Committee continue to carry out the Hardin County Corn and Soybean Variety Trials. In 2017, a field day was held, and 60 producers, along with various industry representatives from Hardin and surrounding counties were on hand to see a visible comparison between 28 different corn varieties from 8 different companies, and 27 different Roundup Ready soybean varieties from 9 companies. Once these plots were harvested and the data was compiled, the results were distributed to over 400 producers in Hardin and neighboring counties, as well as being posted to the Hardin County Extension Service Website and used by salesman from most participating companies. 

The field day was hosted at the Paul Howlett Farm in Glendale and the neighboring farm of Richard Preston. Both Mr Howlett and Mr Preston have used cover crops extensively the last several years, and during the field day program, Dr Carrie Knott led extensive discussion on the benefits and challenges of cover crop systems.