FUNDED BY THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION CHECKOFF PROGRAM.

February 2016

Agronomy: Benchmarking Soybean Production Practices

Farmers are needed for a regional and state soybean yield benchmarking survey in order to identify what is causing yield gaps on your farm. Derek Rapp and Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois are part of a regional team participating in a Soybean Yield Benchmarking project. The goals of the project include: Generating baseline farmer data on current soybean management practices. Identify key factors that prohibit soybean farmers from obtaining yields that are potentially possible on their respective farms. The researchers are looking for farmers in Illinois to participate in a statewide soybean yield benchmarking project, which is [...]

By |February 22, 2016|

Insect Management: Managing Two Soybean Pests to Optimize Yield

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and soybean aphid (SBA) are important soybean pests in the north-central region. Soybean varieties with host plant resistance for SCN (PI88788) and SBA (Rag1) can suppress pest populations and subsequently protect yield. In addition, seed treatments are becoming widely adopted and now can include a nematacide, fungicides and insecticide. Combining host plant resistance with seed treatments could potentially further protect yield. This article summarizes a 3-year research effort, funded by the soybean checkoff through a grant from the Iowa Soybean Association, that evaluated interactions among these two pests, host plant resistance, and seed treatments. Methods [...]

By |February 19, 2016|

Plant and Soil Health: Soybean Advice for Africa

ILSoyAdvisor received a question from Willings Mulendema in Zambia on an article I wrote back in August 2014. He wrote, “This is a very important publication Dan. I am a start-up farmer and I want to grow soybeans on the new virgin land, about 125 hectares (over 300 acres) here in Zambia. I would like to get more information on the guidelines of growing soybeans. Please advise? Best regards, Willings” Click here for the story that caught his attention, followed by my response below. You want to grow soybeans in Zambia. I sort of know the environment. I lived [...]

By |February 17, 2016|

Plant and Soil Health: Phosphorus: Keeping it for the Crop

Phosphorus (P) is one of the two nutrients to contribute to hypoxia. Nitrogen is the other. New insights into how phosphorus leaches into groundwater can reduce its potential impact on water quality and its impact on the environment. Phosphorus poses an environmental threat when it travels from soils to open bodies of water, including lakes, streams and rivers. Click here to read an Ag professional article on the problem. I think the key takeaway from the article was that too high of a soil test or too much phosphorus in the soil leads to leaching across many different soil [...]

By |February 16, 2016|

Weed Management: New Herbicide Systems in Soybeans

There are a number of new herbicide systems coming in soybeans in 2016 and 2017. These join Roundup Ready® and Liberty Link® soybeans on the market. These new systems include the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans, Enlist™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans, Enlist E3 soybeans, and Balance™ GT Soybean Systems Chart below. Burrus has compiled the chart to introduce growers to these four systems, what each has to offer, application guidelines, regulatory approval and EPA label approval. "Without any new herbicide (site of action) in the pipeline, combined with the development of weed resistance to multiple herbicide sites of [...]

By |February 15, 2016|

Agronomy: Growing 100 Bushel Soybeans

Hundred-bushel soybeans are more than just in the realm of possibility today. Quite a few producers have done so officially and unofficially. We know it takes good soils, good weather, high-end management and attention to every little detail. I know it’s hard to think 100 bushels when you are hoping just to get in the 70-bushel range consistently and make a profit, but here are some suggestions to consider if you decide to try. Of course the key is having the right luck with the weather, right soil conditions in the spring, early planting, no hail, and rain with [...]

By |February 12, 2016|

Agronomy: High Yield Soybeans—What’s Your “Model”?

After being the long-neglected “step-child” feeding on the leftovers from the corn crop, soybeans are beginning to gain respect as a primary crop on many farms. I think the opportunities to boost soybean yields may be even greater than for corn. But we have to learn to pay attention to the details first before investing in all the new products available. What is your “model” for soybean yield? In the 1970’s, I worked on the development of simulation modeling for predicting crop yields. Our models for corn and soybeans were based on the physiological processes in the plant, how [...]

By |February 11, 2016|

Agronomy: PODCAST: Double-Cropping Wheat and Soybeans

Kelly Robertson, ISA’s double-crop specialist, discusses the benefits of adopting a double-crop system, and explains that farmers have to be committed to the system to see positive results. He encourages growers to have a flexible plan in place, just like they would for corn and soybeans. Establishing a solid program will help ensure that farmers are profitable when using this system. Listen to the audio below to learn more about starting a double-crop program on your farm. Launch audio >>>

By |February 10, 2016|

Agronomy: Illinois Council on Best Management Practices – Winter Newsletter

ILLINOIS FARMERS: DELAYED ANHYDROUS AMMONIA APPLICATION Three Illinois farmers discuss their decision to delay applying anhydrous ammonia. Read their stories and see why nutrient stewardship is a great choice economically and environmentally. THE 4RS: A YEAR-ROUND ENDEAVOR The 4Rs aren't just something to be followed on a season-by-season basis. Here's what you need to know to follow them all year. FREE, CONFIDENTIAL WATER TESTING EVENTS Learn all about 2016 water testing events and find out what water testing can teach you about your farm. MAN WITH A PLAN: PETE FANDEL TALKS ABOUT COVER CROP PLANNING FOR 2016 CBMP cover [...]

By |February 10, 2016|

Agronomy: Field Day Video – Getting Soybeans Off to a Good Start with Growmark

ISA hosted its first regional ILSoyAdvisor Field Days this past summer. From August 4 – 6 we brought soybean experts to fields around the state to share the latest information, tools and technology that are producing higher yields and better profitability. Watch the video below to see how to get soybeans off to a good start, and view other presentations here. Soybeans must achieve good stand establishment to maximize yield. Agronomists and ag companies have created high-yield solutions for corn, and today they are developing and implementing similar technologies for soybeans. Watch Dan Schaefer, director of nutrient stewardship with [...]

By |February 9, 2016|
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