Can Your Farm Qualify for R&D Tax Credits?
You may already be doing the work.
If you're comparing products, comparing hybrids, improving fertility programs, evaluating biologicals, or making changes to increase productivity, your farm may already qualify for Section 41 Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits.
The problem is, most farmers don't realize the work they're already doing may qualify.
That's why Ide Seed, Top Soil, and Onshore are hosting a free seminar August 13 at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN. We'll explain what qualifies, how the process works, and answer your questions so you can determine whether it's worth pursuing for your operation.
Key Takeaways
- Many farms are already performing activities that may qualify for R&D tax credits.
- Qualifying work often includes hybrid evaluations, fertility optimization, biological product testing, and side-by-side trials.
- Tax credits can be carried forward for up to 20 years.
- Farmers, bankers, and CPAs are encouraged to attend.
- Registration is free and includes lunch.
What Qualifies for R&D Tax Credits?
Most farmers don't think of themselves as doing research.
But think about what you've done over the last few years.
Have you:
- Compared hybrids?
- Tested biological products?
- Tried side-by-side yield trials?
- Adjusted fertility programs?
- Used BaselineRx soil testing to make management decisions?
- Evaluated cover crops or manure programs?
- Made changes to improve yields or reduce inputs?
If so, you may already be performing qualifying activities.
You're not experimenting just for the sake of experimenting. You're trying to improve your operation. That's exactly what many of these tax credits are designed to encourage.
How Much Could Your Farm Receive?
Every operation is different, which is why no one should promise a specific dollar amount before reviewing your records.
However, here are a few things we do know:
Growers with a three-year lookback may generate up to $35 per acre, or approximately $8 per acre every year going forward.
Tax credits can be carried forward for 20 years.
Nate, from Ide Seed, personally went through the process on his own operation and confirmed that a 1,000-acre grain farm may see $20 to $60 per acre in tax credits, along with IRS refund dollars returned within months, depending on the operation.
The only way to know what your farm may qualify for is to have the conversation.
Is the Process Complicated?
This is probably the biggest misconception.
Onshore recommends planning for approximately 4-10 hours of record preparation.
Nate's experience was much simpler.
"I personally only had to provide my login information for Climate FieldView and John Deere Operations Center, along with having my CPA send over my tax information. It took me less than 30 minutes to provide what they needed."
Every operation is different, but many farmers are surprised by how straightforward the process can be.
But What If I Don't Do Research?
You probably do.
If you're trying to improve yields, compare products, reduce fertilizer costs, or make better management decisions, you're already evaluating new ideas on your farm.
Is This Too Good To Be True?
That's exactly why we're hosting this meeting.
At a recent invite-only meeting, one farmer came in convinced these tax credits wouldn't apply to him.
After the presentation and a five-minute private conversation with an Onshore consultant, he came back and said:
"This is a no-brainer."
Sometimes you just need someone to explain how it applies to your operation.
Should I Bring My CPA or Banker?
Absolutely.
This seminar is designed for farmers, bankers, and tax professionals. Having everyone hear the same information often makes the next steps much easier.
Why We're Hosting This Seminar
A few weeks ago, Nate shared a simple Facebook post about a Minnesota tax credit opportunity.
Normally, his posts reach a few hundred people.
This one was different.
Thousands of people viewed it in just a couple of days.
Very few commented.
Almost nobody shared it.
But people kept coming back to look.
That told us something.
Farmers are paying attention.
They're looking for opportunities to improve margins, reduce risk, and keep more money on the farm.
This seminar is designed to help answer those questions.
More Than Tax Credits
This meeting isn't only about tax credits.
Grant Wells, owner of Wells Ag and Top Soil, will also share why someone who built a successful business selling fertilizer is now helping farmers learn how to use less of it more efficiently. Spoiler alert: it's him!
If you've read our blog, "You're Sitting on a Fertilizer Mine… You Just Can't Access It," you already know where we stand.
The goal isn't simply buying more fertilizer.
The goal is making better use of what's already available in your soil.
Tax credits are just one more tool that can help farmers invest in better systems, better management, and better long-term profitability.
We'll also provide a brief update on opportunities surrounding the new 45Z tax credits and how they may benefit your operation.
Built For This - A Free Farm Seminar
Details
Hosted by: Ide Seed, Top Soil & Onshore
Date: August 13, 2026
Location: Crow River Winery, Hutchinson, MN
Cost: Free
Lunch: Complimentary
Schedule
- 8:00 AM Registration
- 9:00 AM Welcome with Nate
- 9:15 AM Onshore R&D Tax Credit Presentation
- 10:15 AM Baseline Presentation & Nutrient Efficiency with Grant Wells
- 11:30 AM Farmer Panel
- 11:45 AM Product Placement Focus
- 12:00 PM Product Information
- 12:30 PM Complimentary Lunch
Reserve Your Seat
Registration helps us plan for lunch and ensures we have enough Onshore representatives available for private five-minute consultations after the presentation.
If you've been comparing practices, testing products, improving fertility, or simply looking for ways to make your operation more profitable, this seminar is worth your time.
You may have already done the work.
Now it's time to find out if you can get credit for it.
Save Your Seat Today!
Join us August 13th at the Crow River Winery in Hutchinson for the FREE Built for This Seminar.
Register by August 6, 2026.