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About PCR
Performance Crop Research delivers high-integrity field and greenhouse research across diverse Central U.S. production environments. From early-stage product evaluation to regulatory studies, PCR provides precise trial execution, reliable data, and responsive partnership to help agricultural innovations succeed in the field.
Performance Crop Research (PCR) is an independent contract research organization headquartered in Great Bend, Kansas. Positioned in the heart of the Central Plains, PCR conducts agricultural research trials across a wide range of soil types, climate conditions, and cropping systems representative of real-world production agriculture.
Operating across more than 3,000 acres with both irrigated and dryland capabilities, PCR supports product development, regulatory submissions, and agronomic performance validation through carefully managed field and greenhouse research programs. Core services include GLP residue studies, efficacy and yield trials, seed development, soil dissipation research, and specialty crop testing.
PCR combines experienced scientific leadership with modern plot-scale equipment, greenhouse facilities, and growth chambers to ensure accurate protocol implementation and dependable data collection. Each research program is designed with client objectives in mind, emphasizing precision, transparency, and efficient turnaround.
Through close collaboration with crop consultants and regional partners, Performance Crop Research strategically places trials in optimal environments to generate meaningful, actionable results. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality research services that support innovation and advancement across the agricultural industry.
3000+ ACRES of research Environments
Dryland and irrigated trial locations across Central and Western Kansas.
Diverse Soil & Climate Conditions
Representative testing environments for Plains and Midwest production systems.
Field & Greenhouse Research Programs
Controlled and field-based trial capabilities to support multiple stages of development.
Advanced Plot-Scale Equipment
Precision planting, harvesting, sampling, and data collection technologies.
Comprehensive Trial Types
GLP residue, efficacy, yield, seed development, soil dissipation, and specialty crop testing.
THE TEAM
Melissa Nelson, M.S.
Melissa Nelson is the founder of Performance Crop Research and brings more than a decade of experience in agricultural field research, with a strong focus on efficacy and GLP residue studies. She holds a Master of Science degree in agriculture-related sciences and leads protocol development, trial execution, and client coordination. Melissa is committed to delivering precise research management, high-quality data collection, and efficient reporting for clients across the agricultural industry.
Troy Ostmeyer, Ph.D.
Troy Ostmeyer holds a doctoral degree in plant physiology and agronomy, providing deep technical expertise in crop research and experimental design. His background supports the implementation of complex field trials and the interpretation of agronomic performance data. Troy contributes to protocol development, study execution, and scientific oversight across diverse cropping systems.
Edith Ikuze, M.S.
Edith Ikuzo earned a Master of Science degree with a specialization in crop entomology and has extensive experience supporting agricultural research in both field and greenhouse environments. She plays a key role in trial management, pest-related study support, and consistent data collection practices that contribute to reliable research outcomes.
Wagner Melo, Ph.D.
Wagner Melo holds a doctoral degree in an agriculture-related discipline and brings valuable industry experience in crop research operations and agronomic trial management. His practical leadership supports efficient field execution, equipment coordination, and data integrity across research programs conducted by Performance Crop Research.