Most farmers have heard about Fred Below at the University of Illinois, and his research on the secrets to obtaining 300-bushel corn and 100-bushel soybeans.

Agronomist Ryan Wolf and others at WinField have developed six steps to achieving 100-bushel soybeans, based on extensive research through our test plot program and ag technology offerings.

The first thing to remember is to “plant smart.” Our first three steps cover how to make the most appropriate decisions for your fields before you plant even the first soybean seed.

MORE BUSHELS TO THE ACRE: There are numerous practices that can help you maximize your soybean yield, starting with deciding on the best bean for your fields.

1. Select the right variety. Soybean selection should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all process. Your agronomist can help you use data to choose the best soybean variety for the particular soil types on your farm. Make sure you are capitalizing on new technology in varieties to increase your success on even the toughest acre.

2. Plant early. Farmers who have traditionally planted their soybean crops prior to May 5 have seen no effect on yield. However, according to University of Minnesota Extension research, yield loss jumps to 6% when soybeans are planted by May 20, and to nearly 30% if planted in mid-June. Monitoring rainfall and soil saturation in your fields can help you plan accordingly to get soybeans in the ground early.

3. Use a premium seed treatment. Early planting into cold, wet soils can pose disease and emergence issues. Using a quality seed treatment and selecting for genetic resistance can help control insects such as soybean cyst nematode, and diseases such as phytophthora root rot. Seed treatments can help optimize yield potential and improve root health and seedling vigor, so soybeans get out of the ground quicker.

After planting smart, the second set of steps to achieving 100-bushel soybeans is to manage your crop carefully throughout the season.

4. Control weeds. Over the past few years, weed control in any crop has become increasingly challenging, requiring multiple modes of action. Early control of weeds is crucial to achieving favorable soybean yields. For example, did you know that six to12 days after flowering, waterhemp has up to 50% viable seed?

Scouting is key to determining what weeds are present and what products may be needed to effectively treat and eliminate them. Online scouting tools can be used in tandem with boots-on-the-ground observation to gather valuable insights and ensure time is spent in those fields where scouting matters most. Early-season use of these tools helps identify fields that have higher weed pressure at an early growth stage, so action can be taken before yield is affected.

5. Manage soil fertility. Studies have shown that the right application of nitrogen at the right time is key to getting the most out of your soybean crop. In 2015, studies showed that applications at R1 and R3 were the most effective, and that using slow-release nitrogen sources worked best at all stages. Narrowing the application window and analyzing each field’s nutrient needs through in-season imagery, direct scouting and tissue sampling help make these applications more targeted and more effective.

6. Monitor crop health. In-season imagery is vital to identify insects, diseases and nutrient deficiencies. Frequent use of this imagery helps with benchmarking and growth indicators. This enables timely decision-making that could mean the difference between a breakeven soybean crop and a profitable one.

Work with your agronomist this fall and winter to formulate a specific plan for your acres to put you on track to achieving a 100-bushel soybean crop in 2017.

Ullrich is an ag technology specialist with WinField in northwestern Minnesota. Email her at [email protected].