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With a mission of gaining more yield, 250 soybean farmers converged in Effingham, Illinois on Friday, January 29, for this year’s first Soybean Summit. David Kohl, Virginia Tech and Nick Paulsen, University of Illinois anchored the day as the two keynote speakers, but attendees also got to listen and network many other experts in the soybean industry. John Pike (University of Illinois), Jason Webster (Beck’s Hybrids), Dick Lyons (Illinois Council for Best Management Practices) and Glenn Longabaugh (Winfield) all lead 45-minute breakout sessions that each grower could attend. Three farmers also participated in a roundtable discussion on how they produce higher yielding soybeans with Dan Davidson (Illinois Soybean Association) moderating the talk.

If you weren’t able to make it, or simply want to revisit what our experts shared, the Illinois Soybean Association has made videos of the presentations available online.

Positioning for Success in the Economic Reset: Dr. David Kohl, Virginia Tech University

The agriculture industry is in a major economic transition. The great commodity super cycle that fueled much of the income statement and balance sheet growth in agriculture is in the rear view mirror. What will be the emerging trends impacting agriculture and rural America’s bottom line in the short and long run? What are the latest trends and views in agriculture? This information packed, high energy session gives you insight on how to position your business for an economic reset.

Crop Returns and Risk Management with Lower Prices: Nick Paulsen, University of Illinois

In an effort to grow your bottom line, you have to look at all the pieces. Dr. Paulsen discusses soybean production budgets, including revenue (yield and prices), non-land costs and land costs and rental arrangements. He also talks on commodity programs (ARC, PLC) and crop insurance programs. Dr. Paulsen is an expert in risk management, finance and policy impacting commercial agriculture. 

Strategies to Manage Double-Crop Challenges: John Pike, University of Illinois

Although weather is generally the major factor determining successes and failures with double-crop soybean production, having a good strategy to address other manageable production variables is essential to maximize profitability for the wheat/double-crop soybean rotation. This presentation examines research findings along with sound agronomic principles related to soil fertility, fungicide applications, varietal maturity, equipment considerations and other issues to better manage challenges associated with double-crop soybean production. 

What On-Farm Research has Taught Us About Producing High-Yield Soybeans: Jason Webster, Beck’s Hybrids

Webster summarizes the results of soybean yield performance through the Beck’s Hybrids Practical Farm Research Program. He also discusses how Beck’s has achieved 100 bu soybeans and explains some of the products, treatments, and technology that have been implemented in the effort to capture higher soybean yields. 

Making Phosphorous Management Work for You: Dick Lyons, Illinois Council for Best Management Practices

Dick Lyons focuses on the idea that soybeans as well as corn and other commodity crops require the nutrient phosphorus for top yields. However, one recommendation does not fit all across Illinois. Lyons discusses how your location within the state of IL, your present soil test numbers for phosphorus, your yields and your potential for loss of phosphorus to the waters of IL and others leaving IL impact your recommended production practices. 

Become a Master Soybean Producer: Developing the Habits of a High-Yield Soybean Grower: Glenn Longabaugh, Winfield

Longabuagh shares a management plan then discusses details in executing your plan. The planning process includes the R7^® Placement Strategy that touches on each of the points of high-yield soybean management. Those seven steps include: The right genetics for, the right soil type at, the right plant population in, the right cropping system with, the right traits fed, the right plant nutrition defended with, the right crop protection.