Michigan Soybean Growers Benefit from Soybean 2010 Educational Programs

Michigan soybean yield increases have lagged behind yield increases for wheat and corn in recent years. The Soybean 2010 project was created to help Michigan soybean producers, increase yields and improve profitability. One of the ways that the Soybean 2010 project provides information to soybean growers is through winter educational meetings entitled "Overcoming the Barriers to Higher Soybean Yields". Two regional programs were held in Michigan in 2007 and two more were conducted in 2008. The programs were completely funded by the Michigan Soybean Checkoff.

Over 700 soybean producers and agronomists participated in the programs. According to written evaluations distributed to participants at the conclusion of the programs, 94 % of the participants learned new information about improving soybean yields and profitability. 80% plan to implement the new information and 71% expect the information they learned and plan to implement to save or earn them additional money. The average amount of additional money they plan to earn or save is $10.90 per acre. Since they plan to implement the information across 86,901 acres, the total projected financial impact to the participants is $949,745.

Some of the leading experts in soybean production and pest management from Michigan State University, Ohio State University and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs were featured on the programs. Topics included: an overview of the Soybean 2010 project and resources, green stem disorder, foliar fungicide effects on soybean yields, soybean seedling disease management, equipping and operating field sprayers, low linolenic soybean production opportunities and a Canadian perspective on increasing soybean yields and profitability.

Dr. Palle Pedersen, Soybean Agronomist and Dr. Mark Westgate, Crop Physiologist from Iowa State University spoke at two educational meetings on February 4 and 5 of 2009. Dr. Pedersen presented the latest research and recommendations for improving soybean yields in Iowa. Dr. Westgate discussed soybean growth and development and identified the management opportunities associated with each stage. The programs were held at Cabela’s in Dundee on February 4 and at the Bavarian Inn Motor Lodge in Frankenmuth on February 5, 2009. As in 2007 and 2008, the 2009 programs were completely funded by the Michigan Soybean Checkoff.