Six Secrets of Soybean Success

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, BASF, Commodity Classic, Farmers, Soybeans

classic13-secretsUniversity of Illinois Crop Physiologist Dr. Fred Below of Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World fame revealed his Six Secrets of Soybean Success to growers for the first time last week at the 2013 Commodity Classic, thanks to BASF Crop Protection products.

Dr. Below was joined by BASF Technical Crop Production Specialist AJ Woodyard for the educational session that drew a record-breaking number of attendees, sharing new data that shows farmers how they can nearly double their yields with a comprehensive pest management plan. Even though they conducted research separately, their results both indicated that growers can maximize yields by using agronomic management program featuring a combination of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

According to Below, the current average soybean yield in the U.S. is roughly 42 bu/A, and has been hovering around that figure for the past few years. “While it may seem daunting, the quest for 85.0 bu/A isn’t a stretch. Yields of this nature are produced each year in state contests, so we know it can be done,” Below said. “The trick is figuring out how to consistently produce these yield levels, and our research has identified six strategies to help accomplish this task.”

The Six Secrets to Soybean Success are:

  1. Weather
  2. Improve soil fertility
  3. Maximize genetic yield potential
  4. Protect yield potential and maximize seed size
  5. Enhance seed emergence and vigor
  6. Utilize narrow row spacing

Listen to Dr. Below explain here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic-13-fred-below.mp3″ text=”Dr. Fred Below”]

2013 Commodity Classic Photo Album