Did Spring’s Mistakes Come Back to Haunt Yields?
In this final growing season update, the IL Soy Envoys recap the top agronomic challenges of 2024 and share key concerns for 2025, from early-season stressors to rising fertilizer costs and soil testing.
Low Insect Pest Populations Found in 2024 Soybean Research
Several of the locations had elevated stink bug and/or bean leaf beetle populations at R5, though none exceeded an economic threshold.
Is There a Better Way to Tissue Test Soybeans?
In this Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded project, Dr. Fred Below and Dr. Connor Sible challenge traditional tissue testing methods in soybeans, exploring whether sampling different parts of the plant can better reveal nutrient needs. Their research aims to optimize nutrient management and improve yield potential.
You Don’t Always Need Maintenance Fertilizer
IL Soy Envoy Kelly Robertson, CCA, highlights the importance of understanding soil nutrient levels, urging farmers that maintenance fertilizer may not be needed. This practice can lead to cost savings and benefit the environment.
Over 1,000 SCN Samples Processed Across 66 Illinois Counties
In this blog post, Nathan Schroeder reveals the growing data on soybean cyst nematode across Illinois, with over 1,000 samples processed from 66 counties. SCN is proving to be widespread, but uneven sample distribution poses a challenge to fully understanding the threat.
Bringing SOYLEIC Soybeans to Illinois
With ISA checkoff support, Illinois farmers are exploring market opportunities through SOYLEIC soybeans, which offer high oleic acid content and enhanced oil quality. This year, three experimental lines are undergoing USDA trials, holding promise for high-yielding varieties tailored to Illinois conditions. Learn more from Dr. Eliana Monteverde in this video.
Advancements and Deployments: Moving Hybrids/Varieties Towards the Market
Harvest season is in full swing, but for breeding organizations, the focus is on data collection and advancement decisions that drive future success. In this blog, IL Soy Envoy Craig Grafton, CCA, explains how hybrids and varieties are selected for testing and deployment, highlighting the critical role of data and collaboration in the process.
Farmer Cooperators Needed for 2025 Soybean Sulfur Management Trials
Illinois farmers have expressed interest in the potential benefits of sulfur applications for soybeans. In response, the Illinois Soybean Association has developed an on-farm trial to address key questions about sulfur fertilization. Join the 2025 On-Farm Trial Network and sign up now to participate!
Harvest Highlights & Concerns
In this episode, the IL Soy Envoys reveal yield reports from their regions and discuss key fall topics like soybean header loss, soil pH and lime application, moisture concerns, disease updates, and more.
How Do We Close the Soybean Yield Gap?
This Illinois Soybean Association checkoff-funded project, led by Dr. Jay Nair of Southern Illinois University, uncovers how field-specific management practices may hold the key to closing the gap between average and record-setting soybean yields.
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