Are Fungicides Worth The Cost?

This post is the third article in a series reporting the results of a research project funded by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association through the soy checkoff to begin to answer the question “are fungicide applications a smart investment?” To do so, the project examined the cost of each product coupled with the application…

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Want Higher Yields in 2016?

In North Carolina soybeans are often thought of as purely a rotational crop and not one that produces large profits. With over a million acres in the state, soybeans occupy 25% percent of the field crop acreage in N.C. Average yields in the state are about 35 bushels per acre, only 70% of the national…

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Foliar Fungicide Research Project Results

This article is the second in a series about research the NCSPA conducted with funding from soy checkoff in 2014 and 2015 to investigate fungicide application, timing and effectiveness. This post presents the results of the research projects. It is important to review the findings in the context of the weather in 2014 and 2015.…

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Getting the Most from Double-Crop Beans

For soybean growers who are double-cropping this year, harvest of the small grain crop and time to plant beans is nearly here. CLICK HERE TO GET ADVICE from Virginia Tech extension agronomist, David Holshouser, Ph.D., on planting and management practices to maximize the potential of double-crop soybeans.

Do Foliar Fungicides Pay and When?

“Should I apply a foliar fungicide and if so, when?” is a question North Carolina soybean growers struggle with every year. Application of a foliar fungicide can help reduce disease pressure and protect yield potential, but they are costly. With low commodity prices, growers are looking to reduce costs. Are fungicides a smart investment? To…

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Farm Safety Tips

Ways to be safe on the farm are always a good reminder, especially as the season starts to swing into high gear. Click on THIS ARTICLE for some helpful information to keep in mind to ensure farmers stay safe.

Managing Early Maturing Soybeans

Based on the shortage of VI and VII seed this year, some growers may find themselves planting an earlier maturing variety than they are accustomed to. This may seem scary but really, managing these earlier varieties isn’t that different from managing late maturing varieties. Here are a few things to know about managing early varieties.…

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2016-2017 Research Project Locations

As farmers gear up for planting season, North Carolina Soybean Producers Association researchers are too. Each year, the NCSPA sponsors research projects throughout the state to gain valuable information to share with growers. Hopefully that information will help N.C. soybean growers make better decisions on how to manage their crops. Over 30 research projects and…

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Planting Technology Helps Farmers Be More Efficient

Planting technology has come a long way in recent years and farmers can benefit from optimal seed placement with increased yields. Randy Traylor, an assistant director of agriculture programs and former extension machinery specialist at Oklahoma State University, has tracked the improvements in technology and its impacts on agriculture. He recently discussed planting technology Q&As in THIS…

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Grain Buyers Wary of Xtend Soybeans

According to an article published in Feedstuffs Online by Jaqui Fatka, May 5, 2016, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Bunge have said they will refuse to purchase Monsanto Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans from producers before the seed trait receives EU approval.  That approval is still forthcoming. On Apr. 25, Perdue Agribusiness Sr. VP John…

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Yogurt Maker Promises Only Non-GMO

A Piedmont area farmer mentioned today that Dannon, a yogurt maker and a downstream customer for products produced from feed grains, will begin transitioning to milk from cows fed only non-GMO grains.  Since many dairy cows are fed GMO grains, Dannon will have to find currently non-existent sources, or depend on a very tight supply…

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