Wrestling with the Interpretation of Soil Test Results and Fertilizer Recommendations for Phosphorus and Potassium
As the 2024 growing season approaches, concerns about high input costs, decreasing commodity prices, and supply chain issues are escalating. Ensuring accurate calculations for crop budgets becomes crucial, especially with expenses like land rental and chemical costs already accounted for, leaving fertilizer as a potential area for cost-cutting despite its importance.
Farmer Panel Discusses Marketing Challenges, Managing Inputs, Labor Concerns and More
At ILSoyAdvisor's Soybean Summit, a panel of three farmers discussed various topics, from grain marketing to labor issues and input management.
Digging Up the Dirt with Pike
Southern Illinois consultant, John Pike, shares recent observations of soil conditions in a field, noting the effects of tillage on soil compaction and water infiltration.
Growing the On-Farm Trial Network
Learn about Illinois Soybean Association's new effort to develop an on-farm trial network that will address agronomic issues farmers are seeking more information on. In this video, learn more about how to get involved and the topics the on-farm trial network will aim to address.
ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys Selected For 2024 Growing Season
Six certified crop advisers and agronomists will serve as ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys for the 2024 growing season. They will provide updates from around the state through the Field Notes blog and ILSoyAdvisor Crop Report.
Cover Crop Planting Dates in Soybean & Corn Rotations: Lessons Learned from Year One of ISA-Funded Study
This Illinois Soybean Association funded project, lead by Nathan Johanning of Illinois Extension, reveals insights from the first year of a cover crop planting date study. The team found that lower seeding rates of early-planted cereal rye cut seed costs and had similar biomass. Late planting still offered good growth into mid-Nov and maximizing biomass by delaying termination until maturity showed no yield reduction in soybeans in most cases.
Achieving High Yield Soybeans While Protecting the Soil
At the recent Soybean Summit, Chris Weaver, a farmer and agronomist from Maryland, discussed his experience in enhancing soybean yields while protecting the soil. With his success of reaching 158 bu/ac on non-irrigated land, his goal is to grow 200+ bushels of no-till, non-irrigated soybeans. Listen here for his full presentation.
High Speed Planting for Soybeans
There are advantages and challenges to high speed planting in soybean and corn rotations. Dr. Mike Mulvaney explains more in this Science for Success video.
Ready, Set, Go: Planter Prep Checklist
Spring is in the air for IL soybean producers. From field prep to reports of planters in action, signs of early soybean planting are surfacing statewide. Is your planter ready to go? Listen here.
Early Soybean Planting – Benefits and Risks
There are some yield advantages to planting early as well as some risks. Where does this yield advantage come from and how can we best manage the risks of planting early? Dr. Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin-Madison answers these questions for you.

