Farmer Q&A Videos

Weed competition can dramatically reduce soybean yields. The complexity of weed management is increasing with the combination of innovative herbicide-tolerant soybean systems and the development of herbicide resistance in problem weeds. Research-based best management practices help preserve existing weed control technology. Diversified weed-management plans use multiple herbicide sites of action and practices like cover crops and tillage to control weeds and steward herbicide technology. These checkoff-funded tools, resources and research projects support effective weed management to protect soybean yield.

Effective disease management starts with identification, understanding the conditions that cause diseases, and then learning when and how to treat them. Many different soybean diseases impact yield and quality. Cultural practices, genetics, biotechnology and chemical controls all can help farmers manage disease pressure. These checkoff-funded tools, resources and research projects support effective disease control to protect soybean yield and quality.

Insect pests feed on soybeans at all growth stages, from germination through pod fill, decreasing crop quality and stealing yield. Integrated pest management, or IPM, strategies allow farmers to cost-effectively manage insect pressure using a variety of tools, including cultural practices, genetics and biotechnology, scouting and chemical controls. Many checkoff-funded tools, resources and research projects help soybean farmers efficiently control insects and protect soybean yield and quality.

Water Management

Water availability can be a limiting resource for soybean growth at critical points in the growing season. Or water can be overly abundant or poorly timed thanks to heavy rains and weather patterns. Water management accounts for both efficient use of irrigation and allowing excess water to drain while protecting water quality as it moves into the watershed. A wide variety of checkoff-funded tools, resources and research projects help soybean farmers maximize the value of the water they have access to and preserve water quality as it leaves their fields.