BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A new add-on to the Illinois Soybean Assoc. (ISA) annual Soybean Yield Challenge – the 100-Bushel Challenge – will give farmers an opportunity to break yield barriers by optimizing production practices, according to ISA Yield Challenge spokesperson Marit Harm.

“There has been increasing chatter about farmers pushing for 300-bushel (per acre) corn. Similarly, there is much to be gained by farmers dialing in their soybean management practices to reach 100 bushels per acre,” Harm said. ”Research such as the Six Secrets of Soybean Success show making a few changes to management practices can make a huge difference.”

To encourage producers to break their own yield barriers, ISA has free, checkoff-funded resources available, including the Six Secrets pamphlet, the Illinois Soybean Production Guide and the Illinois Soybean 2012 Research Report. This offers information on soybean diseases, insect pests, soybean cyst nematode, soy nutrition and food science, among other important topics.

The 100-Bushel Challenge was inspired, in part, by Purdy, Mo., farmer Kip Cullers, who recorded yields of 139, 154 and 161 bushels between 2006 and 2010 – staggering numbers, considering the national average for soybean production was just 44 bushels an acre in 2012.

“We didn’t think 100 bushels of soybeans was even possible not too long ago, but Mr. Cullers proved otherwise,” said Dan Davidson, former director of research for the ISA. “Advancements in research and better management techniques, along with a willingness to try new practices, will allow more soybean farmers to increase yield records.”

Produced by University of Illinois researchers Fred Below and Jason Haegele, Six Secrets assures farmers higher soybean yields will come from protecting and enhancing fertility throughout the entire season, starting with a phosphorous and potassium fertilizer prior to planting.

“A popular practice is to fertilize corn, and hope there is enough left for the soybean crop. This may not be adequate for reaching maximum yield potential,” Haegele writes in Six Secrets.

After protecting the soybean crop during germination with a fungicide, insecticide and nematicide to encourage rapid seedling growth, farmers can later use a fungicide and insecticide to protect leaves. At R3 reproductive stage, they should use a foliar treatment to maximize photosynthesis.

Since soybean plants require large amounts of nitrogen to fill their pods, nitrogen fertilizer may be added during reproductive stages, the researchers advise. “Focus on and protect fundamental inputs such as variety and fertilizers. A good variety will take advantage of the extra fertility,” writes Haegele.

In addition to Six Secrets and the other checkoff resources, the ISA has compiled a tip sheet for increasing soybean yields, available to all farmers, that contains pointers on seed selection and field prep, soil management, planting, crop protection and other, season-long bits of advice.

All of the resources provided by the ISA are designed for one purpose: To help producers nudge their personal yield barriers upward to the coveted 100-bushel plateau. Those who think they may have what it takes to attain that lofty goal are strongly encourage to join ISA’s Soybean Yield Challenge and 100-Bushel Challenge.

“We want these contestants to really push the envelope on soybean production practices and show us what is possible in Illinois,” Davidson said. “To reach 100 bushels will take planning prior to planting and diligence through the season.

“You will need to have all your management practices optimized and know the products you need to apply from the start.”

To learn more or register for the ISA Soybean Yield Challenge and 100-Bushel Challenge, visit www.soyyieldchallenge.com

Checkoff-funded resources described in this article are available at www.ilsoy.org/profitability/key-profitability-research