Optimizing Soil Fertility for High-Yielding Soybeans
IL Soy Envoy Drew Beckman, CCA, of Beck's Hybrids shares how high-yield soybeans can remove more nutrients than corn, stressing the need for custom fertility practices. Tune in for information on nutrient management, early planting, and soil conditions to improve soybean success.
Red Crown Rot: Where Is It and What Is Being Done About It?
Red crown rot is spreading across Illinois, but where is it being confirmed in the state? Stephanie Porter provides an update on red crown rot for the 2024 growing season and discusses ongoing efforts to manage the disease.
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.
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.
Can Fungicide Applications via Drones Effectively Control Soybean Foliar Diseases?
The Soybean Research and Information Network (SRIN) features Purdue University research on the effectiveness of using drones to apply fungicides for controlling soybean foliar diseases.

