Virtual Farming Competition Puts Others in Farmers’ Shoes

University of Nebraska’s Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) is a virtual competition held every year that allows students and farmers to step into a management role in a virtual farm environment. Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator John Nelson says the TAPS competition is a great way for people to learn about the various aspects of managing crops on a farm. “It’s a virtual farm management competition that gives people the opportunity to create a team and compete against others around the world.” Nelson believes TAPS is a great way for people outside of the ag sector to get a better understanding of the production side of agriculture. It also gives farmers the capability and flexibility to experiment with practices and crops that they wouldn’t normally do on their own farm. “The idea is that it gives people the opportunity to see what it’s like to make input decisions for row crop.”