Norris FFA Celebrates 18th Harvest of Learning Lab and Test Plot

By: Max Zavala
Norris FFA Reporter

Norris FFA celebrated its 18th harvest on Monday, October 19, 2026, marking another successful year for the chapter’s Learning Lab and Test Plot. This year, the chapter harvested 110 acres of soybeans, averaging an impressive 60 bushels per acre on non-irrigated ground. 

After a summer of hot temperatures and frequent rainfall, Norris FFA members were finally able to bring in the crop. Twenty-five FFA members helped weigh and collect crop samples, gaining firsthand experience with the harvest process and learning how to evaluate crop performance. The test plot featured soybean varieties from Brevant, Pioneer, DEKALB, and Channel, allowing students to compare results and identify which varieties performed best and may be most successful when planted across larger fields.

Norris FFA President Easton Burenheide believes the test plot provides an important connection between agricultural education and the industry’s role in the economy. “The test plot is such a good way for students to get opportunities to learn and engage in agriculture and why it is important to learn about a topic that is so important for our economy,” Burenheide said.

Vice President Lane Brewster emphasized that the purpose of the test plot extends beyond growing a successful crop. Students use the results to learn from previous seasons and identify ways to improve production practices. “The whole point of the test plot is to learn, and this year, improving our yields shows that in past years we keep improving and finding new data on how to help our test plot and keep on finding better and more efficient ways how to grow our test plot,” Brewster said.

A Tradition of Agricultural Education

Established in 2008 by Ed Woeppel and Clayton Doeschot, the Norris FFA Learning Lab and Test Plot was created to give students opportunities to apply classroom instruction to real-world agricultural production. The operation covers 110 acres of land rented from the Norris School Board and continues to serve as a valuable learning environment for students interested in agriculture.

Throughout its history, the test plot has explored several production methods and crop types, including a Speed Plot in 2016, an organic plot in 2018, and white corn in 2020. These projects have allowed students to experiment with different approaches, evaluate results, and learn how production decisions can influence crop performance.

The Learning Lab is managed by Norris FFA members, who make decisions with guidance from an advisory board. This student-led approach allows members to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in managing a production farming operation.

Learning from Planting to Harvest

This year’s test plot focused on comparing soybean varieties to evaluate emergence, growth, disease tolerance, and yield potential. Students participated in planning, organizing seed varieties, preparing equipment, and planting the crop. Members also had opportunities to help switch out seed varieties and ride in the planter, gaining experience with modern agricultural equipment and precision agriculture technology. The learning continued throughout the growing season and into harvest. By weighing and sampling the soybeans, students collected information about variety performance data that farmers use to make informed decisions about seed selection and field management.

This year's average yield of 52 bushels per acre was a significant improvement over the chapter's previous soybean crop. The results will help students evaluate which varieties performed best and consider how those findings could influence future planting decisions. The test plot gives students an opportunity to see agricultural concepts in action while learning that successful production involves research, planning, technology, and continuous improvement. These experiences help prepare students for future careers and responsibilities within the agricultural industry.

Community Partnerships Make the Difference

The success of the Norris FFA Learning Lab and Test Plot would not be possible without the continued support of local businesses and agricultural professionals. AKRS provided equipment support and demonstrated its John Deere S780 combine during this year's harvest. Farmers Cooperative assisted by providing semi-trucks to transport the harvested soybeans as well as agricultural application. Local seed dealers supplied the soybean varieties used in the test plot, while professional mentors, including Brett Burenheide, have contributed soil sampling and expert recommendations to support student research. 

These partnerships provide students with access to industry professionals, modern equipment, and real-world agricultural practices. They also demonstrate the importance of community involvement in supporting agricultural education and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. As Norris FFA celebrates its 18th harvest, the Learning Lab and Test Plot continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn by doing. With an improved soybean yield and new data to evaluate, Norris FFA members can build on previous years' experiences and continue discovering more efficient ways to grow crops while strengthening their knowledge, leadership, and appreciation for agriculture.