Preview of Growing Season 2011

Everyone at the National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois is busy this Spring with activities and programs related to research, outreach and education. The first part of 2011 has been filled with planning, preparation and proposals as we look for new and innovative soybean programs, technology and techniques regarding production, nutrition and international development.

We, of course, are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, as recent wet weather is raising concerns about planting delays, potentially leading to questions on whether to plant corn or soybeans on farmland that was scheduled to be planted corn. Using current commodity prices and costs, switching to more soybeans seems several weeks away. For northern and central Illinois, corn is projected to be more profitable than soybeans through May. In southern Illinois, corn is projected to be more profitable than soybeans through the last part of May. The record-breaking rainfall of April has certainly put a damper on breaking any records for getting in the fields early.

Since fieldwork is waiting for the sun to shine and ground to dry out, we are seeing a flurry of paperwork being submitted for the 2011 Illinois Soybean Association Yield Challenge as the deadline is fast approaching for entering teams for this year's growing season. The NSRL production team is working closely with the Illinois Soybean Association and colleagues at the University of Illinois Crop Sciences department to sign up more than 40 teams. The second year of this program is gearing up to provide some exciting yield results.

We are cognizant that summer precipitation and air temperature directly influence soybean yield potential. NSRL research and programs related to soil quality, planting date, disease, insects and technological improvements regarding seed genetics, fertilizers and producer management techniques all play an important role in soybean yields. We will continue to look for efficiencies that increase yield and profit for U.S. soybean producers.

Stay tuned for details as planting season 2011 unfolds.

Warmest regards,

Bridget