It’s time to see soybeans for what they really are – a high-value crop that benefits from time, effort and innovation.

Once you embrace this idea, you’ll soon realize a better return on your investment!

More profit is the top priority for most farmers. That’s why Illinois soybean checkoff funds are invested in programs to help you enhance your operation – from production through grain marketing and ultimately to managing your entire business.

Employ More Effective Production Practices

The first step toward harvest each year should be the development of a solid cropping plan. However, your plan should not focus solely on yield but also on your potential return. The following tools, articles and audiocast provide you with tips for taking your crop yields to the next level: 

	"Six Secrets of Soybean Success”: Improving Management Practices to Produce High-Yield Soybeans Listen to Fred Below, PhD., discuss the six secrets approach to increasing soybean yields. Key takeaways from the audio discussion also have been compiled.
	Soybean Seeding Calculator To help make seeding rate decisions for soybeans, U of I developed a seeding rate calculator. An Android app and iPhone/iPad online spreadsheet are also available.
	The Six Secrets of Soybean Success Based on a survey of soybean literature and the physiology of the soybean plant, these "secrets" were experimentally evaluated in multi-location trials in 2012, and the results of those trials are the focus of this report.
	Corn-Soybean Planting Decisions and Longer Run Returns Long-run impacts of corn-soybean cropping decisions are evaluated in this article. More intense corn rotations reduce corn-after-soybeans acres, often some of the most profitable acres on a farm.

Benefit from Shared Knowledge

We place tremendous value on communicating new and beneficial data to Illinois soybean farmers and their customers. You can receive this information at numerous events and educational opportunities throughout the year: 

	Farm Journal Soybean College These one-day events focus on practical tips for growers to take their soybean yields higher. Both classroom and in-the-field breakout sessions are packed with take-home information.
	ISA Soybean Yield Summit Events like the 2012 Soybean Summit offer firsthand access to renowned producers, research and other experts who are dedicated to equipping you with proven methods for better production.
	ISA Yield Challenge This challenge - which takes place throughout the growing seasons - offers you a controlled environment for putting your farm practices to the test by exploring new strategies and technologies for higher yields. Or, you can simply benefit from the extensive data reported by its participants.

Reach Optimum Levels of Protein and Oil 

Although higher yields are important to the soybean industry, they mean nothing without the components your customers demand today: 35% protein and 19% oil. These optimal levels of protein and oil are key to meeting worldwide demand for high-quality soybeans. In turn, they help ensure you receive a better price at the elevator while keeping Illinois competitive in the global marketplace. Learn more about soybean composition from the following ISA white paper.

ISA White Paper: Looking Beyond Soybean Yields This study details the importance of high protein and oil levels in soybeans and how soybean quality affects our global market share. Background, information and resources needed to better understand how we can differentiate Illinois soybeans and meet the needs of soybean customers at home and abroad is also included.

For additional advice on managing your fields as well as dealing with soybean diseases, insects and pests, refer to our helpful production tips and brochures. Or, read more about soybean composition and discover ways you can gain high levels of protein and oil, without sacrificing yield. We also encourage you to review these press releases, documents, videos and audio files highlighting yield.