Practical Farmers of Iowa is a grassroots organization whose members conduct research on profitable, environmentally sound alternative production methods on their own farms. The experimental design uses randomized, replicated side-by-side machine-harvested strips running the length of the field. Production techniques investigated include ridge tillage with and without herbicides, ridge tillage and conventional tillage without herbicides, with cover crops, and with late spring soil nitrate tests to determine efficient N application rates. This work has led to effective cooperation among farmers, extension personnel, and university researchers, and has inspired similar activities in other states.