Field studies tested the validity of averaging soil test results from producer‐submitted soil samples for estimating the fertility status of a county or geographical region. Fields currently in crop production were selected and sampled randomly to provide sampling intensities similar to those of producers. Two counties (Todd and Graves), each in a differing soils area, were sampled. In Graves County, with similar soils and cropping system throughout, average soil test values from randomly collected samples were nearly the same as those collected from producer‐submitted samples. In Todd County, with two differing soil regions and their associated cropping characteristics, average soil test values for farmer‐submitted samples were slightly more acid and considerably lower in extractable phosphorus and potassium in comparison with values for randomly collected samples.