About TAPS™: A Scalable Platform for Agricultural Innovation
Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS™) is a farmer-driven competition that brings together producers, industry professionals, and researchers to explore data-driven decision-making, innovative technologies, and best management practices in real-world production settings.
Through hands-on competition, participants make real agronomic, economic, and risk-management decisions on replicated farm plots—gaining valuable insights, testing new strategies, and learning from their peers. TAPS™ creates a low-risk environment that fosters innovation while promoting collaboration across the industry.
Since its inception, TAPS™ has grown from a single competition to a national program, engaging hundreds of participants across multiple states.
TAPS™ Timeline
- 2017 – TAPS™ launched with one competition in Nebraska and over 20 participants.
- 2018 – Expanded to two competitions with over 60 participants from two states.
- 2019 – Grew to four competitions in Nebraska & Oklahoma, with Oklahoma State launching OSU-TAPS. Participation surged to 140+ from five states.
- 2020-2022 – Six competitions across Nebraska and Oklahoma, with over 160 participants from four states.
- 2023 – Eight competitions in Nebraska, Oklahoma & Colorado, with Colorado State University launching CSU-TAPS. Over 200 participants from six states and two countries.
- 2024 – Seven competitions across Nebraska, Colorado & Kansas, with Kansas State University launching KSU-TAPS. Over 300 participants from eight states and two countries.
TAPS™ Programs
- Colorado State University
- Kansas State University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Maryland
- Auburn University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Florida
- Illinois State University
- Michigan State University
