The Illinois Soybean Association is encouraging farmers to consider multi-year data on seed varieties before deciding what to plant in 2010. It said that 2008 and 2009 statistics on the performance of seed variety studies were unusual because of heavy rainfall in both years.
"I would say 2009 was a year of extremes around the state, with soybean yields all over the map," said Vince Davis, University of Illinois Extension soybean specialist. "For example, farmers in northern Illinois who planted varieties not susceptible to white mold had above-average yields. Meanwhile, aphids moved farther south than usual this year and were around later in the season. For farmers in that situation, the learning curve was steep and yield losses were large where scouting and applications were not timely. Yet statewide, insects were not too bad in 2009."
The online Varietal Information Program for Soybeans includes performance data on hundreds of soybean varieties across multiple seasons in Illinois. University of Illinois also posts variety trial data.