Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS)
“TAPS brings everybody together. Industry can offer their solutions in a more controlled environment, which is easier for them. Producers are exposed to new technology, so instead of a 30-minute highlight, they actually get to use it, make decisions and see how it plays out.”
Testing Ag Performance Solutions is an interactive farm management competition where innovation takes the front seat. It’s a real-world contest that challenges competitors to put their management skills and cutting-edge tools to work in pursuit of top prizes and the titles of “most profitable,” “most input-efficient,” “highest grain yield," and more.
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KSU-TAPS invites participants, partners, and supporters to the annual Awards Banquet on January 24 in Garden City. We’ll break down the data from both competitions, recognize this year’s winning teams, and share a plated dinner. Please confirm your attendance so we can plan for meals. |
K-State is expanding the TAPS model with a bold new vision through KSU-TAPS, led by Director of Sustainable Irrigation, Daran Rudnick. By bringing these immersive, hands-on competitions to the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers in Colby and Garden City, we’re creating a high-energy network of scientists, extension professionals, producers, industry leaders, students, and agency partners—all focused on advancing profitability and input-use efficiency with an eye toward irrigation and water-smart management. Join us as we drive the next era of producer-led innovation and push the boundaries of profitable farming in a limited-water environment.
An irrigation technology network
The latest updates and news on TAPS in Kansas
Participate in the 2025 KSU-TAPS Farm Management Contest
TAPS competitors (individual or team) may be challenged to select seed varieties, seeding rate and crop insurance, and make irrigation and nitrogen management and marketing decisions throughout the growing season, depending on the TAPS competition. Their decisions will be implemented in the same field on three random test plots under a precision irrigation system. Competition fields are located at the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers at Colby and Garden City.
K-State irrigation engineer bringing water competition to Kansas
“TAPS brings everybody together. Producers are exposed to new technology, so instead of a 30-minute highlight, they actually get to use it, make decisions and see how it plays out.”
Building Irrigation Networks for Kansas
At the core of TAPS is the goal to build a robust irrigation network that serves as a collaborative hub for growers, industry, specialists, agronomists, government entities, and more. Our research team works with key partners to cultivate a shared space for agronomy knowledge exchange and innovation in sustainable irrigation practices.
By organizing interactive, real-life farm management competitions, TAPS propels advancements in profitability and input-use efficiency and establishes a thriving community. Together with our partners, including the Department of Agronomy, the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers, and the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, natural resources districts, non-profit organizations, industry leaders, and financial institutions, we are dedicated to building a resilient and interconnected network that lays the foundation for a sustainable future in irrigation.
Kelsey Stremel
Raenette Martin
