Farm tech meets competition at TAPS

By Scout Nelson

Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) is an innovative, interactive farm management competition that brings together farmers, industry experts, researchers, and students to test new agricultural technologies and practices in real-world settings. This competition allows participants to use cutting-edge technology to make decisions on seed selection, irrigation, nitrogen management, and marketing, all while competing for top honors in categories such as profitability, input efficiency, and crop yield.

The TAPS model offers participants hands-on experience, rather than just brief demonstrations. Competitors are given the opportunity to make informed decisions and see how their choices affect farm performance, helping them understand the practical impact of technology and management strategies on their operations. By doing so, TAPS not only exposes producers to innovative tools but also helps them develop better decision-making skills in real farming conditions.

The K-State (Kansas State University) version of TAPS, under the leadership of Director Daran Rudnick, is set to launch at the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers (WKREC) in Colby and Garden City. This expansion builds on the success of similar programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Colorado State University (CSU), and Oklahoma State University (OSU). The KSU-TAPS competition will focus on improving irrigation and water-use efficiency, particularly in areas with limited water resources.

The ultimate goal of TAPS is to foster collaboration between researchers, producers, industry leaders, and government entities to create a robust network focused on improving farm profitability and sustainability. By conducting real-world tests of irrigation technologies and other agricultural practices, TAPS aims to promote innovation and drive advancements in water-use efficiency and crop management.

Participants in TAPS will not only compete for prizes but will also be part of a growing community of professionals working towards a more sustainable future in agriculture. This initiative helps build a stronger, interconnected agricultural ecosystem in Kansas and beyond, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and ideas that drive the future of farming.

Photo Credit: kansas-state-university