Over the years we have tried to apply the same yield enhancements for corn direct to soybeans with very mixed results. A few years ago, as we pushed the envelope on soybean yields, we did some trials with in-furrow row starter on soybeans. Today, though, we are applying row starter on about 15,000 acres of soybeans as part of a high yield system with very positive results. Not to say we didn’t stub our toe along the way, and I would like to share some of our experiences that got us to where we are today with this program. [...]

I’m Mike Wilson and I live and work in southern Illinois, NASS Crop District 9.  I have been involved in production Ag for about 35 years and my experiences have run from seed production for corn, soybeans and wheat in the beginning of my career to Ag retail for the last 20+ years.  While I enjoy working with all crops, soybeans have always held a certain allure for me.  About 10 years ago we began an initiative in Wabash Valley to improve soybean yields.  To accomplish this we have taken a Stress Mitigation approach.  Our aim has been to [...]