Widespread late-May frosts across Ontario have many growers assessing soybean crops for injury and wrestling with the question of whether replanting is necessary. On this episode of the Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs soybean specialist Horst Bohner is preaching patience when it comes to determining whether a replant is necessary. He… Read More
Scouting soybeans is a big part of any Ontario agronomist’s year. Emergence, a consistent plant stand, and seeding depth are the first few things to scout for in the field. Ryan Benjamins, who owns and operates Benjamins Agronomy Services, gives tips for scouting soybeans and what to consider further along in the growing season, in… Read More
We rely more and more on artificial intelligence and powerful computers to accumulate and process information. Can artificial intelligence help us grow a better soybean crop? In this Soybean School episode, Bernard Tobin is joined by Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin-Madison soybean extension specialist, to talk about his research in artificial intelligence derived management systems for… Read More
For decades, soybean acreage has increased in Canada and has been internationally fuelled by growing world demand for the oilseed crop. Soybeans have also proven to be a friend to farmers, making a profitable contribution to the bottom line and adding another cropping option to diversify and extend rotations. But what happens when farmers plant… Read More
It wasn’t so long ago that growers wouldn’t plant soybeans in April, but times have changed as research continues to provide evidence of the yield benefits when planting early. Soybeans have also developed a reputation as pretty tough customers. And when growers add protection from a new generation of seed treatments they can expect strong emergence… Read More
As planters start rolling for the 2021 soybean season, growers will be managing many different planting environments — everything from conventional and minimum tillage to no-till and strip-till. Each management system will require different strategies but when properly executed (with a little cooperation from Mother Nature) they all have the potential to deliver high yields…. Read More
Over the past decade, growers have pushed soybean planting dates earlier as they pursue higher yields. Earlier planting extends the growing season, but rolling out the planter in late April also impacts several other factors that contribute to yield, says Horst Bohner, soybean specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Planting… Read More
Moisture availability is the key to getting soybeans off to a good start; they need it to germinate properly and emerge. But how deep should you plant to tap into the moisture the seed needs for strong plant stands and high yields? On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Soybean School, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and… Read More
We know that phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are needed in soybeans to achieve those high yields. But what’s the right soil test level of each of these macronutrients, what happens when there’s too much or too little, and how does that level affect soybean yield? To answer these questions, RealAg’s Bernard Tobin is joined… Read More
Tillage destroys soil structure, cuts organic matter and decreases soil water infiltration. If that’s the case, reducing tillage makes sense, right? But the decision is not that simple, says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota soil and tillage extension specialist. In her presentation at the virtual Ontario Agricultural Conference, DeJong-Hughes notes that there’s no hard and fast… Read More
When it comes to planting soybeans, is spring tillage necessary? Can no-till soybeans handle the challenge that a cool, wet spring and heavy corn residue can throw at them? With 2020 in the books, it’s time to dig into some harvest data and find some answers to these questions. On this episode of Soybean School,… Read More
When it comes to strong soybean plant establishment, growers often focus on seeding rates, seeding depth, and tillage. Those are all important management practices, but Horst Bohner emphasizes the need for growers to also set up and run their planter or drill effectively, to produce optimal plant stands that deliver top yields. On this episode… Read More
Fixed and flex soybean varieties can have a great fit on your farm depending on the soil type and row spacing. Last year RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin, and Pride Seeds agronomist Matt Chapple discussed fixed and flex corn varieties. In this episode of Soybean School, the two are back in the field looking at how many… Read More
It’s a colourful time of year as leaves start to turn yellow, then brown, and then drop to the ground — not only on trees, but also in soybean fields. When moisture has not been a limiting factor, differences in days-to-maturity between varieties can be quite eye-catching heading into the final weeks of the growing… Read More
When planting soybeans after corn does the oilseed benefit from pre-plant tillage? A little spring tillage certainly enhances yield, says Horst Bohner, soybean specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Based on accumulated OMAFRA trial data, growers can expect plant stands to be 10 per cent higher and fields to… Read More