If you're looking for a partner to validate your ag product or run field trials, these five firms bring serious expertise to the table. From swine research in Iowa to crop trials across the country, here's where to start.
The State of Agricultural Contract Research
Agricultural contract research organizations (CROs) are the backbone of product development for everything from crop protection to animal health. They design and run trials that generate the data you need for registrations, marketing claims, and grower confidence. The industry has grown more specialized, with some firms focusing on row crops, others on specialty produce, and a few on livestock. Technology now plays a bigger role, with drones, sensors, and data analytics improving accuracy and speed. Whether you're a startup with a new biological or an established company expanding into new markets, finding the right CRO is critical. The firms below represent a cross-section of what's available across the US.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at each firm's service scope, facility capabilities, and track record of completed trials. We also considered how well they communicate their process and whether they offer specialized technologies that add value. Local fit matters too—some firms are deeply rooted in specific regions, which can be an advantage for certain crops or livestock systems. Finally, we weighed client experience signals like years in business and the range of products tested.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five firms, their specialties, and what they're best known for.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Ag Metrics Group | Broad crop coverage and multi-state trials |
| Gourley Research Group LLC | Innovative Swine Research | Swine product validation and health performance trials |
| Miller Research LLC | GLP-compliant efficacy and residue trials on row crops |
| IMPACT Agronomics | Field crop and biological trials in the Southeast |
| INTENT | Large-scale field trial management and grower recruitment |
The Five Firms, Closer Look
#1 Ag Metrics Group
A screenshot of the Ag Metrics Group website.
Ag Metrics Group is a full-service agricultural contract research organization with stations across the US, covering crops from almonds to tomatoes. They offer expertise in agronomy, biologicals, entomology, genomics, and plant pathology, making them a versatile partner for many product types. Their team includes scientists and technicians who use sophisticated diagnostic tools and targeted experiments to solve production issues. If you need multi-state trials or work with specialty crops, their network is a major plus. They also have international development services, which can help if you're expanding globally. Check out their detailed service pages to see if they match your needs.
#2 Gourley Research Group LLC | Innovative Swine Research
A screenshot of the Gourley Research Group LLC website.
Gourley Research Group, founded by Gene Gourley in 2012, is a research consulting firm based in Central Iowa that specializes in swine studies. They've completed over 150 trials for companies worldwide, covering product validation, titration, and health performance. Their facilities include multiple barns, such as the GLP & GRG, J&A, Maddens, and Higgins Nursery, which allow for flexible trial designs. They use state-of-the-art technology to collect in-depth data, and clients appreciate the personalized approach to each study. If you're developing feed additives, vaccines, or health products for pigs, this is a niche expert worth contacting. Their website highlights a range of past projects, from enzymes to water treatments.
#3 Miller Research LLC
A screenshot of the Miller Research LLC website.
Miller Research has been conducting contract agricultural research since 1975, with a strong focus on potatoes, sugarbeets, and other row crops. They operate under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and have extensive experience with efficacy and residue trials. Their team has worked with over 120 companies and collaborates with land-grant universities, giving them a solid reputation for unbiased data. They cover a wide range of crops, including wheat, barley, corn, and onions, and have standard operating procedures in place for quality. If you need reliable data for regulatory submissions, their long track record is reassuring. Their capabilities page lists specific diseases and pests they study, so you can see if they fit your project.
#4 IMPACT Agronomics
IMPACT Agronomics operates a 47-acre research facility in North Carolina with three different soil types, providing a range of conditions for replicated trials. They focus on cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat, but also handle vegetables like squash and cucumbers. Their capabilities include efficacy trials for herbicides, fungicides, and biologicals, as well as variety trials and bio-stimulant studies. They've been conducting research on biologicals since 2007, so they have deep experience in that growing area. The facility has subsurface drip irrigation on 30 acres, which helps manage water stress in trials. If you're in the Southeast and need a hands-on partner, they're a solid choice.
#5 INTENT
A screenshot of the INTENT website.
INTENT offers field trial services that focus on grower recruitment, trial management, and data collection across the US. They leverage their FarmerTrials Network of over 2,000 growers to find the right locations for your studies. Their services include agronomy data collection, imagery capture, and digital data collection from planting to harvest. They use their INVISION software to centralize trial management and ensure standardized data collection. If you need to scale up your field program quickly or want real-time visibility into your trials, INTENT provides a tech-forward solution. Their team has executed thousands of field trials, so they know how to handle logistics.
How to Choose the Right Research Partner
Start by defining your product type and the specific data you need—whether it's efficacy, residue, or performance metrics. Consider the species or crops you're targeting and whether the firm has experience with those. Look at their facilities and technology: do they have the right barns, fields, or sensors to support your trial design? Think about geography—local trials can reduce costs and improve relevance for regional products. Finally, ask about their quality standards and how they handle data reporting. A good CRO will be transparent about their process and happy to share examples of past work.
Streamlining Your Trial Process
Once you've selected a CRO, you can streamline your trial process by using digital tools for data collection and reporting. Many firms now offer portals where you can track trial progress in real time. For example, INTENT uses software to centralize trial management, while Gourley Research Group uses advanced technology for in-depth data collection. You can also automate your own internal workflows by setting up templates for protocols and reports. This saves time and reduces errors, letting you focus on analyzing results rather than chasing paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right agricultural research partner comes down to matching their strengths with your specific needs. Whether you need swine studies in Iowa, crop trials in the Southeast, or a nationwide network of growers, these five firms offer proven expertise. Take the time to reach out, ask questions, and review their past projects. The right partner will not only deliver reliable data but also help you bring your product to market with confidence.