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Check Latest Yield Data From Soybean Variety
Trials
Even if you’ve already bought your seed for 2009,
examining recently released soybean variety trials would still be
worthwhile, says Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois (U of I)
Extension agronomist.
“What I would do is check to see if the varieties that I’ve already
bought performed reasonably well,” says Nafziger. “If not, you might
be able to exchange them prior to planting next spring.”
Many land-grant universities like the U of I released their 2008 soybean
variety trial results within the last month, weeks or days. These trials
are “especially valuable, because they compare so many different
varieties against one another,” says Nafziger. “Seed company data is
also valuable, but their trials aren’t as neutral as ours are, because
they are designed to be a marketing tool.”
Farmers should take some time to examine the range in yields from top to
bottom for their region, advises Nafziger. For example, the U of I
performs soybean variety trials at 13 sites, which are grouped into five
regions.
“Yield consistency is one thing that you can see from our data,”
emphasizes Nafziger. “To be a top variety in a region, it has to do
well in all locations of the region.”
On a top-10 list for how to choose soybean varieties, the first
five tips would be to select for top yields, he quips. “Look at the
yield numbers first and then look at resistance ratings,” advises
Nafziger. “Disease resistance should show up in yield.”
When available, also look at yields over more than one year, advises
Nafziger. Where yield data is only available for one year, check the
yields in as many locations within your region as possible, including
seed company data, he adds.
Maturity is another factor to consider in soybean selection, because a
range of maturities can help to spread out harvest, says Nafziger.
However, farmers who buy a range of maturities should be sure to select
for yield first or they could end up limiting production.
“A common belief is that late-maturing varieties yield the highest,
but it doesn’t always work out that way,” says Nafziger.
“Sometimes the mid-range maturities yield the highest, in part,
because they may have been bred and improved more than the late or early
maturities and sometimes because conditions deteriorate late in the
season and hurt later-maturing varieties. Also, early maturity varieties
don’t typically come out of mid-season stress as well as late-maturing
varieties do.”
Farmers can check their land-grant university Extension Web sites for
the latest soybean variety trial yield data. Web links for some recently
posted 2008 yield variety trials follow:
By John Pocock
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Take Part In
Corn & Soybean Digest Poll
Please cast your ballot in the latest Corn &
Soybean Digest quick poll. The most recently posted question is: Who
do you think will be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?
Cast your vote on CSD's home page at: cornandsoybeandigest.com/.
(The poll question is just to the right of the “What’s New” top
section of the Web site.)
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Soybean Price Recovery Waits For Clear
Outlook On Demand
If it weren’t for the weak global economy, sinking
stock markets, tight credit, corporate bankruptcy announcements every
other day, uncertainty about bailouts and the U.S. political
administrative transition, the grain and oilseed markets would bounce
back…maybe. It depends upon how much demand has been hurt.
A projected tight U.S. soybean ending stock and what may turn out to be
a smaller Brazilian soybean crop than last year should be bullish for
soybean price; and would be absent the outside negative influences.
Most market analysts agree that soybeans are oversold right now. Export
demand for U.S. soybeans has been brisk even with the uncertainty about
global livestock feed demand. China continues to be a big buyer of U.S.
soybeans. Internal policies have made it less expensive for Chinese soy
crushers to buy U.S. beans than to buy domestically grown soybeans.
Japan, normally a consistent buyer of U.S. soybeans, has returned to the
market after new import regulations disrupted the normal Japanese buying
schedule.
Although price recovery for the grains and oilseeds might occur at
anytime, it may not happen until after the first of the year. Usually,
not much occurs during the Thanksgiving shortened trading week, nor is
much likely to happen between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To its credit,
the new administration is moving quickly to name key players, but the
markets will probably remain nervous until after January 20th.
Two factors that could signal a return to fundamentals for commodities
are: 1) a bottoming out of the stock market and a clear separation of
commodity price movements from stock index movements and 2) a return of
investment funds to commodities.
Currently, the upside potential seems to far outweigh the downside risk,
a situation that should attract fund investment. However, the funds,
assuming they have money left to invest, are also waiting for the demand
picture to become more clear.
To read more on the outlook for grain markets, click here: www.agmanager.info/marketing.
By Mike Woolverton, Kansas State University
Extension Grain Economist
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Drought-Hardy Soybean Lines Show
Stamina
A team led by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
Plant Geneticist Thomas Carter will soon release advanced soybean
breeding lines that carry slow-wilting traits. These lines perform well
under drought conditions, and also show good yield potential when
rainfall is plentiful. Private seed companies and public soybean
breeders can use the drought-tolerant lines as breeding stock to develop
high-yielding varieties adapted to stressful U.S. summers.
Carter is with the ARS Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit in
Raleigh, N.C. “Team Drought” is a group of researchers at five
universities, which Carter heads. They aim to develop drought-tolerant
breeding lines across a range of maturity groups for adaptation to every
soybean-growing area of the country.
The slow-wilting lines yield 4-8 bu./acre more than conventional
varieties under drought conditions – depending on the region and
environment. For example, where normal soybeans would yield 30 bu./acre
under drought conditions, the slow-wilting types can surpass those
yields by about 5 bu./acre.
The Team Drought project is funded by ARS and a grant from the United
Soybean Board, a group of farmer-directors who oversee investments of
the soybean checkoff fund on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. To read
more about this checkoff-funded research, click here: www.ars.usda.gov.
By Rosalie Marion Bliss, USDA ARS
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for more profit potential per acre.
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High Fertilizer Prices Keep Soybean Cash
Prices Low
A year ago, carry-out stocks this tight (205 million
bushels) had soybean prices moving toward new record highs. This year,
equally tight supplies have buyers sitting on their hands waiting for
better prices. What’s the difference?
The market has its doubts that corn can get the acres it needs given the
high price of fertilizer, and it thinks that millions of acres could
roll back to soybeans. A million acres would increase production by 40
million bushels. So a 5 million acre switch would increase production by
200 million bushels, doubling the 2009-2010 carryout if demand stays
relatively stable.
The problem with this expectation involves the market’s ability to
anticipate. The market understands the following math. Crop price times
crop yield less input costs equals gross margin per acre. Typically,
soybeans get a 2.5 price ratio per bushel to corn. This ratio adjusts
for yield and input costs to leave the gross margin between corn and
soybeans a push in terms of gross margin per acre (more or less).
To read more of this article about the price competition between grain
commodities, click here: www.wellsfargo.com/.
By Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Bank
agricultural economist
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Fertilizer
Financials
Conventional wisdom among most farmers is that
fertilizer prices will likely head lower this spring along with crude
oil and grain prices. The unfortunate reality is that conventional
thinking is sometimes wrong.
“If grain prices have come down and oil prices have come down, then it
makes sense that fertilizer prices will come down, too. But that's not
necessarily what's happening,” says Bruce Erickson, Purdue Extension
cropping systems management director. “These factors were strongly
linked in the past, but today's situation is somewhat different.”
U.S. fertilizer prices rose sharply in 2008, due to high global demand,
and now the industry is trying to keep up, says Erickson. The best
predictor of U.S. fertilizer prices in 2009 will still be global supply
and demand, more so than crude oil or grain prices, he adds.
Prices for grain, fuel and fertilizer will continue to be sensitive to
economic conditions around the globe, says Erickson. “This year,
nutrient source is the key,” he emphasizes. “Prices for urea have
come down substantially since summer, whereas potash remains high in
price due to tight supplies.”
To read more about the outlook for spring fertilizer prices, click here:
cornandsoybeandigest.com/inputs/fertilizer.
By John Pocock
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2008 Net Farm Income Forecast: $86.9
Billion
Net farm income is forecast to be $86.9 billion in
2008, little changed from the record $86.8 billion farmers are estimated
to have earned in 2007, and 42% above the 10-year average of $61.1
billion.
Net cash income, at $90.7 billion, is forecast to be $3.3 billion (4%)
above 2007 and 33% above its 10-year average of $68 billion. Net cash
income is projected to rise more than net farm income because of the
carryover of 2007 crops, which are being sold in 2008.
The story for 2008 is twofold, with a large increase in the value of
crop production that is offset by rising production costs for the farm
sector. The value of crop production, at $181 billion, is forecast to
exceed the 2007 record by $30 billion, or 20%. Income performance will
not be the same across all farms. In 2008, current commodity and input
forecasts indicate that incomes will likely be lower for cotton,
specialty crop and livestock operations. Unlike the situation for grains
and oilseeds, receipts on these farms are not expected to rise enough
from 2007 levels to offset increases in expenses.
To read more about the 2008 net farm income, click here: www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmIncome/.
Source: USDA ERS
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U.S.
Soybean Farmers Respond To Consumer Demand
As the nation approaches the end of the fourth-largest
soybean harvest on record, the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean
checkoff applauds U.S. soybean farmers for their role in feeding and
fueling both this country and the world. In direct response to strong
global demand for more soy products, U.S. soybean farmers responded
emphatically last spring by planting more soybeans.
According to the most recent Crop Production report from the USDA’s
National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS), U.S. soybean
production rose significantly from a year ago. USDA forecasts total U.S.
soybean production at 2.92 billion bushels, up 9% over last year. Also,
NASS estimates harvested soybean acres at 74.4 million acres, a 16%
spike over last year.
USB Chairman Ike Boudreaux says he hopes the NASS numbers are reassuring
for those who are skeptical that an affordable supply of soy exists.
“I’ve always believed we’re part of the solution,” says
Boudreaux, who raises soybeans in Lebeau, LA. “U.S. soybean farmers
can produce enough soybeans to satisfy food, feed and fuel needs.
We’re part of the answer.”
Based on a checkoff-funded survey conducted last summer, most Americans
agree with Boudreaux. The National Agricultural Image Survey indicated
82% of eligible voters surveyed believe U.S. farmers are not to blame
for higher food prices. It also found more than two-thirds of consumers
support biodiesel as a source of energy that can meet our needs in the
next 5-10 years.
At this time of year, many Americans sit down to enjoy holiday feasts
featuring turkeys and hams, making it a good time to consider the U.S.
soybean industry’s relationship with the U.S. animal agriculture
industry. U.S. poultry and livestock annually consume 98% of the soybean
meal utilized in this country, which equated to 30 million metric tons
last year. Feeding the poultry and livestock industries creates a
demanding market situation for soybeans, one that requires quantity and
quality.
For more information on USB, click here: www.unitedsoybean.org/.
Source: United Soybean Board
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Soybean Export And Price
Outlook
Soybean prices will likely be influenced by
developments in the general economy and the energy markets, says Darrel
Good, a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.
“Soybean prices increased about $1/bu. from mid-October through early
November,” says Good. “Since then, prices have been erratic, but
generally weaker. More of the weakness comes from soybean oil prices
than from soybean meal prices.
“Prices in the near term will likely be influenced by developments in
the general economy and the energy markets,” he adds. “Recovery in
those markets is not expected soon.”
Good's comments came as he reviewed the soybean market, where soybean
exports are strong but the soybean crush is slow. To read more of
Good’s comments on soybean exports and the latest outlook on prices,
click here: www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4581.html.
Source: University of Illinois
Extension
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Surviving
High Input Costs In Crop Production
Input costs for 2009 are expected to be two to three
times what they were last year. However, the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln has put together material to help you learn how to curb
increasing costs and improve your profit margin.
To view subject matter categories and newly revised crop budgets for
different crops, click here: cropwatch.unl.edu/survivinghighinputcosts.htm.
Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Extension
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Videos On SCN Testing Available
Online
Two Iowa State University (ISU) videos are now
available on the Corn & Soybean Digest Web site that demonstrate
how to examine and test fields for soybean cyst nematode (SCN). The
videos feature Greg Tylka, an Extension plant pathologist and
nematologist, who also coordinates ISU’s Corn and Soybean Initiative.
The most recent video shows the proper way to do soil sampling after
harvest in both soybean and corn fields. “It will be possible to
conduct soil samples for SCN testing for a few more weeks, until there
is persistent snow cover or the top eight inches of soil are frozen,”
says Tylka. “Fall is the ideal time to collect soil samples to
determine if SCN eggs are present. This gives the producer time to make
important management decisions before spring.”
Once a grower plants a field to soybeans, the next opportunity to scout
for SCN begins about six weeks after planting and runs through August.
In a video produced earlier this year, Tylka demonstrates how to dig
soybean plants and gently remove soil from the roots in search of small,
white female SCN.
“Research has shown plants in a soybean field can look perfectly
healthy, yet still be infected by SCN,” says Tylka. “That’s why
it's important for producers to check for SCN, either during the growing
season or after harvest. Knowing which fields are infested with SCN is
the first step to successfully managing the nematode. These videos will
help producers properly test for this pest, which is causing serious
yield losses across the Midwest and elsewhere.”
Personnel in the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences produced
the videos. The videos are posted on the Corn & Soybean Digest Web site
at: cornandsoybeandigest.com/tv.
Source: Iowa State University
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Indiana Variety Trials Yield Well, Despite
Challenges
Crop growers now have access to the 2008 variety trial
yield results for corn and soybean varieties tested in Indiana.
“As with a lot of people, this year we had challenges, but the yields
are much better than anticipated,” says Phil DeVillez, director of
Purdue's Crop Performance Program. DeVillez and his team tested 240 corn
hybrids at 12 sites and about 200 soybean hybrids at nine sites.
Indiana yield data is available at the Purdue Crop Performance Program
Web site, www.agry.purdue.edu/pcpp. The
variety trial results are free for farmers and it's unbiased,
independent data.
“The best thing a grower can do when contemplating varieties is to
compare this year's data to last year's data,” he says. “Always look
at multi-year data. Something that was on top last year could be in the
middle of the pack or even on the bottom this year, in terms of
performance. It all depends on the planting date, growing season and the
rain patterns.”
For additional information and questions about how to interpret the
data, contact DeVillez at 765-583-1406 or pld@purdue.edu.
Source: Purdue University
Extension
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Nebraska Publications Explain How To Combat
Soybean Yield Loss
Using resistant varieties can help Nebraska soybean
growers address some common yield-reducing problems. However, when
selecting resistant seeds, be sure to choose agronomic characteristics
that match your ground and conditions.
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is one yield-reducing problem that continues
to spread across the eastern third of Nebraska. To learn about common
SCN symptoms and how to sample a field, see NebGuide G1383, Soybean Cyst
Nematode Biology and Management. The publication is available free
online by clicking on the following Web link: www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/index.jsp?what=publicationD&publicationId=311.
Phythophthora root and stem rot is another problem that is causing yield
reductions in many Nebraska fields. For more information on
Phytophthora, including how to identify and manage this disease, see
G1785, Management of Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot of Soybeans. This
publication is also available free online by clicking here: www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/index.jsp?what=publicationD&publicationId=944.
Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Extension
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Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center Pursuing
Soy-Based Technologies
The soybean, its use once limited to agriculture, is
cementing a place in industry as a biodegradable substitute for
petroleum in a variety of commercial products.
In an effort to promote and commercialize the most promising
soybean-based products and materials, the Ohio BioProducts Innovation
Center (OBIC), along with the Ohio Soybean Council and PolymerOhio, is
leading a yearlong effort to assess current national soy-based
technologies.
OBIC, housed on Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences campus, is an alliance of industry and
academic organizations and institutions focused on the commercialization
of bio-based technologies and products that combine Ohio's strongest
industries: agriculture and polymer materials.
The “Cell to Sell” Soy Technology program is a portfolio management
system that accelerates innovation by leveraging resources to address
unmet market needs. For more information about the program, click here:
cornandsoybeandigest.com/soybeans.
Source: Purdue University
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Researchers Test Pennycress For Biodiesel
Potential
Field pennycress may go from weed to “wonderfuel,”
thanks to studies by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in
Peoria, Ill.
There, a team of ARS scientists led by Terry Isbell has been researching
the annual winter weed’s potential to yield a bumper crop of oil-rich
seed for use in making biodiesel and other products, including an
organic fertilizer and natural fumigant. Historically, pennycress has
been a bane to farmers. But now, with America's quest for homegrown
alternatives to petroleum, the plant is getting a second look.
To continue reading this article about pennycress and its biodiesel
potential, click here:
www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081126.htm.
By Jan Suszkiw, USDA ARS
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Friendly Bacteria Help With Healthy Soy
Diet
Soy is a staple of the Asian diet. Here in America,
soy is considered a healthy addition to a diet, but sometimes it is not
so easy on the stomach. Now, a University of Missouri researcher
believes she has the answer: freeze-dried probiotic microcapsules.
“Soyfoods are recognized as healthy food; however, intestinal
bloating, cramping and flatulence can offset the favorable qualities of
soy,” says Azlin Mustapha, associate professor of food science in the
MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Mustapha believed there was a better way for people in North America to
enjoy the benefits of soy as people in Asian countries have done since
ancient times. In her new research she found a holistic, natural
solution in probiotics, friendly bacteria that already exist in the
human intestinal tract.
“We took selected probiotics that were very effective at reducing the
undesirable intestinal symptoms, encapsulated the friendly bacteria in a
gel to protect the product over time and then freeze-dried the gel,”
Mustapha said. “We then had a powdery-type ingredient with live
bacteria that could be added to food.”
The product was added to soy protein energy bars. Taste testers detected
no difference in the bars without the probiotic product, bars with the
freeze-dried product in microscopic capsules or bars with the
freeze-dried product not encapsulated.
“We are now getting a healthy triple whammy,” says Mustapha. “Soy
is a functional food that is one step higher than the usual healthy
foods, and probiotics reduce the negative side effects, provide health
benefits and fight potential food-borne infections.”
Because it is a dry product, the shelf life is quite high and the
bacteria remained active during a moderate period of time.
“It is a very important part of food science to create a novel,
healthful and beneficial product,” Mustapha said. “There are no soy
energy bars on the market today that contain probiotics, making this a
novel product.”
Source: University of Missouri News
Bureau
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A Note From The Soybean E-Digest
Editor: Most Will Stick With Bean-Corn Rotation
The majority (60%) of you who participated in our
recent online poll indicated that you’ll stick with your conventional
corn-bean rotation next spring. About one-fourth of you who voted
indicated that your acreage allocation will depend on crop prices, and
about 13% indicated that your acreage allocation will depend on nitrogen
prices.
If you plan to plant more acres to soybeans in 2009 than usual, I’d
like to hear from you. When writing, please let me know your name, where
you farm, why you think more soybean acres will be more profitable than
planting those acres to corn or some other crop and whether or not I
have permission to use your comment in a future Soybean E-Digest
newsletter. You can contact me (John Pocock) at: john.pocock@penton.com.
As always, you’re welcome to write to me if you have concerns or
questions about this issue. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks
for your readership – and farm on!
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