Benchmarking yield potential for soybean in North Central States

Peyton Ginakes and Seth Naeve

Photo: Lisa Behnken

The University of Minnesota is partnering with nine other North Central states to close the soybean yield gap by combining big data from producers with location-specific modelling.

Models are capable of predicting maximum yield potentials based on soil type, weather data, and management practices. However, yield gaps exist where producers’ soybean yields fall short of maximum yield potentials. That’s why ten North Central states are conducting a survey for more detailed information from soybean producers. Survey results from thousands of producers across the region allows researchers to use a ‘big data’ approach in determining which management practices can close the yield gap in localized regions. More information on what researchers have concluded thus far can be found in the Corn & Soybean Digest article, Data pegs soybean yield gap.

UMN researchers are asking producers to assist in the project by completing soybean surveys. The completed surveys (download here) can be returned

• by email: naeve002@umn.edu or ginak002@umn.edu
• by mail: Peyton Ginakes, 305 Alderman Hall, 1970 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108.

As an incentive, producers may be eligible to receive $100 for every sheet (four fields) returned up to 6 sheets. Hard copies of surveys will also be available at upcoming Strategic Farming workshops around the state.

For more information, feel free to contact Dr. Seth Naeve at naeve002@umn.edu or 612-625-4298.