February 11, 2025
K-State Announces 2025 TAPS Competitions in Colby and Garden City
Kansas State University's TAPS (Testing Agricultural Performance Solutions) program will expand in 2025 with competitions in Colby and Garden City, Kansas. These programs allow farmers to test innovative farming strategies and collaborate on sustainable solutions for managing water and nutrients.
The 2025 TAPS competitions will challenge farmers, industry professionals, and researchers to refine their decision-making in a risk-free, real-world environment. Participants will manage a farm, making strategic calls on irrigation, fertility, seeding rates, and marketing while navigating unpredictable weather and market conditions. The competition focuses on profitability, input efficiency, and sustainability, providing a platform for testing new technologies and management strategies.
"TAPS provides farmers with the opportunity to test strategies and learn from each other, all while working with real-world data," said 2024 TAPS participant and winner of the Most Economically Profitable at Q-Stable award Russ Martin. "The competition blends hands-on experience with innovative technology, helping us to conserve water and improve farm profitability."
This season introduces fresh challenges alongside proven contests, pushing participants to experiment with precision ag tools and resource management. As competition kicks off, anticipation builds for another year of friendly rivalry, valuable insights, and practical advancements in agricultural decision-making.
"By creating a space for collaboration and innovation, TAPS ensures that farmers can continue to thrive in an increasingly challenging agricultural environment," said Renee Tuttle, KSRE extension associate.
The 2025 TAPS competitions will feature three exciting contests tailored to regional production challenges. In Colby, participants can compete in the Corn/Forage Sorghum Water Allocation and/or a Grain Sorghum Competition. In Garden City will host the Corn Water Utilization Competition.
Competition spots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, at least one team member must be an active agricultural producer. Don’t miss the chance to compete, learn, and innovate in the 2025 TAPS season!
For more information and to participate, visit https://www.k-state.edu/taps/.
Contact:
Renee Tuttle
620-805-9045
rstuttle@ksu.edu