The Michigan Soybean Committee is presently seeking nominations for appointment consideration to the United Soybean Board (USB) by Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Two Michigan farmers currently on USB will complete their third and final 3-year terms in December 2022. MSC, as Michigan’s Qualified State Soybean Board, is responsible for seeking qualified, interested candidates to consider for appointment.
 
Qualified candidates for each position must be a soybean producer engaged in the growing of soybeans in the United States and owns, or who shares the ownership and risk of loss of, such soybeans. All eligible soybean producers are invited to seek nomination for a seat on USB. For convenience, USDA-AMS has provided two forms at their website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/soybean) which need to be completed and returned to MSPC no later than May 2, 2022 to be considered for nomination and possible appointment. Specifically, the two forms are:

• United Soybean Board AD-755 Form- Advisory Committee Membership Background Information
• Nominee's Agreement to Serve Form

 
Completed forms may be emailed to Janna Fritz at jfritz@michigansoybean.org to arrive no later than May 2, 2022. Questions may be directed to Janna Fritz at 989.652.3294.
 
This information is provided by soybean farmers through the Michigan Soybean Committee – the soybean checkoff. For more information about MSC, visit www.michigansoybean.org. MSPC delivers educational information to and on behalf of Michigan’s soybean farmers.

While soybean seed is still in the bag, tote or box it has 100 percent of its potential yield for the 2022 crop. Management decisions and weather will reduce that potential as the season progresses. As the price of soybeans and input costs increase, the value of the lost bushels is magnified.

​Table 1. Phosphorus and potassium critical levels and maintenance limits for soybean (based upon revised Tri-state fertilizer recommendations) ​
*These soil test levels apply when P and K are reported as Mehlich III values.

To maximize the potential yield and profit, you should consider the following:

1. Maintain soil fertility at optimum levels. Research of multiple fertilizer products, application methods and timings have shown variable results except for the consistency of maintaining soil nutrient levels at, or above, critical levels (Table 1).  Keep soil tests up-to-date and apply fertilizer as needed to remain at optimum levels.
   
2. Manage soil pH. In variable soils or those with naturally low pH, apply lime to maintain soil pH near 6.5. Consider site specific variable rate applications to avoid over-application of lime. If soil pH is increased too much, the availability of some nutrients (manganese) is reduced. Another possible negative of raising pH beyond the optimum is that soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) prefer sandy soil types and when they can get high pH with sandy soils, SCN populations can increase dramatically.
3. Place the right soybean variety in the right field. All varieties and fields have strengths and weaknesses. Carefully matching characteristics such as SCN resistance and disease resistance to known issues in specific fields will help to avoid pests stealing bushels of soybeans. Choosing a top yielding variety is a critical but time-consuming step in creating the greatest potential yield.  Combine the yield performance with a strong defensive package to get the most from each field.  
4. Strategize to control weeds. Some weed surprises will show up, but most weed issues such as dominant species and timing of emergence can be predicted. Match genetic resistance of varieties (XtendFlex, Enlist E3, LLGT27, conventional) with fields that may need extra effort to control weeds, especially herbicide resistant weeds. In addition to herbicides, spring tillage can be an effective option to start clean.
5. Manage diseases. Most soybean diseases are best managed by prevention. Reviewing the history of diseases in each field is a good base to avoid disease infestations. Varietal resistance/tolerance is one of the most effective tactics for managing Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), phytophthora and white mold. Effective seed treatments are also available for SDS, phytophthora and pythium. White mold is a complex disease, but control may include wide rows (> 20”), reduced seeding rates, variety selection, tillage decisions, cover crops, irrigation water timing and application rates, and knowledge of field history. If conditions favor white mold infection during early flowering stages, use the app “Sporecaster” for fungicide application timing.
6. Soybean Cyst Nematodes. SCN populations are becoming more aggressive in many fields.  Genetic resistance (PI88788 and Peking) is being overcome by some nematode populations, causing population increases resulting in yield losses. Rotate sources of resistance and soil sample to keep SCN populations low.

Fighting against yield robbers can be effective when many of the culprits are identified ahead of the growing season. Retaining yield potential will be especially rewarded in times of good commodity prices. This is a prime year to fight for every bushel of soybeans that you can produce. Have a good plan before the season starts but be sure to adjust when the weather throws us some curve balls.