Checkoff funded research has helped identify a previously unused gene pool from Europe which will enable scientists to breed more weather-tolerant soybeans. Check out this new video from USB featuring North Carolina’s own Dr. Tommy Carter of the USDA, discussing the work they are doing to improve the tolerance of soybeans to a variety of…
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Recent advancements in precision agriculture and data analytics have paved the way for the next important step forward in agriculture: incorporating big data on the farm. While the idea of using big data for agriculture may sound complex, it boils down to analyzing all the data generated on the farm to reveal insightful patterns and…
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A campaign called BeSure! was launched this Spring to promote best-management practices to farmers and applicators who use neonic products. The campaign was launched by a coalition committed to neonicotinoid product stewardship called Growing Matters. It reminds farmers and applicators to: Be sure to always read and follow the label when using treated seed Be…
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The best time to think about preventing herbicide resistant weeds is now, as you begin to think about preparing your fields for planting in the spring. Check out the attached infographic for some great reminders on how to prevent and manage herbicide resistant weeds: http://takeactiononweeds.com/wp-content/uploads/HR_BMPs.pdf
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Everyone knows there are many benefits to crop rotation and have probably learned about its impact on sustainable farming, but a new research study sheds more light on the subject. New research from Michigan State University shows that crop rotation increases the function of soil microbial communities that benefit plant growth. It also improves soil…
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There are many benefits to adding cover crops into a rotation, including the potential for increased profit, reduced inputs, reduction in herbicide use, improved water filtration and erosion control and runoff prevention. Learn more in THIS ARTICLE about why cover crops are worth considering.
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Finally wrapping up harvest? Once it’s completed, you might start thinking of what needs to be done for next year. Weed management is a task to think about any time. Richard Zollinger, extension weed scientist at North Dakota State University recommends four after-harvest weed-management practices you can do now that will give you a head start on…
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Growers from N.C. took on Capitol Hill again last week to advocate for farmers and key agricultural issues in the state. Six board members made the trip to the nation’s Capital including Jimmy Thomas, Jeff Tyson, Greg Manning, Chris Naylor, and Michael McPherson. Angela Berben had been a participant in the American Soybean Association’s Leadership…
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Welcome aboard the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association’s newest addition! Ayden Law is joining the NCSPA team as a communication intern. Ayden lived in Greenville, S.C. for 15 years before moving to Stokesdale, N.C. when she was a freshman in high school, and lived there until she went away to college. Ayden is a student…
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With Tropical Storm Hermine coming through North Carolina last weekend, Dr. Jim Dunphy warns there is a good chance of rust spores coming into North Carolina. As the storm crossed the Florida panhandle there is a chance it picked up and carried rust spores to our state as it passed through. In the next two…
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A disclaimer before we start: We do NOT recommend planting soybeans back-to-back year after year. Planting any crop back-to-back year after year increases the potential for pests and problems to build up. You may not see these problems after one year, but eventually, something will become an issue…
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Your soy checkoff works to help you increase the profit potential of your farm, and that begins with farm-management basics. Here are some simple tips from Brian and Darren Hefty, of the “Ag PhD” TV show, on the importance of drainage to improve soybean yields. Drainage is critical because if your crop sits in water
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