WARREN, Ill. — The 2014 growing season for soybeans was distinguished by outstanding individual yields per acre, and results from the Harbach Partnership farm in Jo Daviess County serve as a prime example.
There, 30 soybean seed hybrid varieties compared by Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST) yielded more than 70 bushels per acre. Seven varieties produced yields significantly above test average, according to FIRST Site Manager Jason Beyers.
"This site received a small rainfall shortly after planting, and I believe that every seed germinated," noted Beyers. "Plants were loaded with pods and seed size was large. Overall it was a nice, high-yielding location that had a good, uniform soil type."
The all-season test was paced by Latham variety L2128R2, featuring RR2Y technology (as did 28 of the top 30 harvested, with the other two using RR) and Clariva Complete seed treatment. The product yielded 80.8 bushels per acre and gross income of $832 per acre.
The variety proved resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and the beans held an average moisture of 12.2 percent. Stand was 219,300 plants per acre.
Tied for second in the test was Renk RS213NR2, featuring Cruiser Maxx soybean seed treatment and RR2Y technology, which yielded an even 80 bushels, as did third-placer Asgrow AG2632. Asgrow’s variety contained RR2Y technology and Acceleron fungicide and insecticide products.
While the Renk brand proved resistant to SCN, the Asgrow variety was rated as only moderately resistant to SCN. Renk’s stand was 213,800, while Asgrow’s was reported at 191,400.
Other brands and varieties finishing with soybean yields significantly above test average were Cornelius CB24R99 (79 bushels per acre), Latham L2448R2 (78.7), NK Brand S26-P3 GC (77.9) and Latham E2328R2 (77.9).
A common lament at harvest is while the yield may have been excellent, it could have been better. The old adage applies to crops produced for this test, according to Beyers.
"There was evidence of white mold that had an effect on some varieties in the first replication," he explained. "Most varieties were relatively short, with some only 18 inches (tall)."
The trial was conducted on Harbach Partnership farmland near the north-central Illinois state line abutting Wisconsin and Iowa, on Osco/Muscatine silt loam, moderately well drained and non-irrigated. Soil composition was described as containing moderately high P and K, and was conventionally fall-tilled. The previous planted crop was corn using Lumax herbicides.
