Peterson Advance: How We Test New Products So You Don’t Have To
Every year, growers are introduced to dozens of new products all promising better performance. The challenge isn’t finding options. It’s knowing which ones actually work in our region.
That’s why we built Peterson Advance.
Peterson Advance is our structured evaluation program designed to test new products under local conditions, using both replicated research and on-farm feedback, before we ever recommend them broadly. The goal is simple: reduce risk for growers by doing the vetting first.
Why We Created Peterson Advance
The pace of new product development has accelerated, especially in biologicals and specialty inputs, but performance can vary widely depending on soils, weather and management.
Our footprint presents unique challenges: cold soils, short growing seasons, variable moisture, to name a few. A product that performs well elsewhere doesn’t automatically translate here.
Peterson Advance allows us to separate promise from performance in our local geography. We want to provide the best independent advice on the market for North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
How the Program Works
Products evaluated through Peterson Advance go through multiple layers and years of testing. First, they are evaluated in replicated trials so we can measure response, consistency and win rate. Products that show potential move into on-farm evaluations, where growers and dealers can see how they perform under real-world management.
This approach lets us answer important questions:
- Does the product work consistently, or only under ideal conditions?
- Where does it fit, and where does it not?
- What type of environment or management is required for success?
Just as importantly, not every product “wins.” And that information is valuable, too.
What Types of Products We’re Testing
Peterson Advance isn’t limited to one category. Products under evaluation may include:
- Biological or synthetic fungicides, insecticides and nematicides
- Nutritional seed treatments
- Micronutrients
- New products targeting issues like IDC, early vigor or root health
Some of these products are already on the market. Others are still moving through manufacturer pipelines and not yet widely available. Peterson Advance gives us an early, unbiased look at both.
What Growers Gain
Growers who participate in Peterson Advance receive access to products at no cost, along with transparent results from across the network. More broadly, all Peterson growers benefit from
recommendations that are backed by data, not marketing claims.
Rather than testing dozens of products on your own farm, you’re tapping into a larger evaluation network built specifically for northern growing conditions.
Looking Ahead
Peterson Advance isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building confidence that when we recommend a product, it has earned its place through performance.
As new technologies continue to emerge, this program keeps us focused on what actually increases bushels. Growers who want to participate, share feedback or suggest products for testing, are
encouraged to get involved and be part of the evaluation process.
Interested in Participating?
Have a Product You’d Like Us to Evaluate?
Click to suggest a product for consideration in the Peterson Advance testing program.
