2009 Year in Review

Weighing Options Can Bring Soybean Growers Profitability

Two Web Sites Help Growers Access Key Information

Good things come to those who wait. The old proverb may just hold true for Illinois farmers who are still holding out on their planting decisions and seed choices for 2009. While companies are offering late incentives, two web sites from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) help to bring valuable data to the growers who need it most. SoybeanPremiums.org and VIPsoybeans.org help growers make the crucial decisions of variety selection, based on local premiums and local results.

SoybeanPremiums.org was created to connect buyers of differentiated soybeans to the farmers who are growing them. Premiums are posted by the companies themselves and growers can search for local premiums without registering or providing any information. The most common premiums are for non-GMO, Low-Linolenic and seed soybeans. Premiums as high as $2 per bushel are currently posted on the site.

“As demand grows for specialty soybeans, the premiums are becoming more lucrative for soybean growers,” said Mike Cunningham, grower from Bismarck, Ill. and treasurer for the ISA. Cunningham plans to plant some non-GMO acres for the first time in 2009. “Growers make decisions based on their profitability and their bottom line. When it makes sense to search out premium programs, they now have this easy-to-use tool at their fingertips.”

For growers looking to increase their profitability through higher yields, another tool is available online as well. VIPsoybeans.org is an online database providing growers varietal information on more than 600 soybean varieties offered through various seed companies. This database, currently celebrating 10 years of results, brings yield data, disease and insect resistance information, and oil and protein content right to the fingertips of growers. Funded by the soybean checkoff and administered through the University of Illinois, this is the largest resource for unbiased yield data in Illinois.

“Growers can search the Varietal Information Program for Soybeans’ web site to find data sorted by region, maturity group or even the seed company of their choice. The information is presented to allow growers to compare varieties and make decisions based on what is best for their farm,” said Matt Hughes, grower from Shirley, Ill. and assistant secretary-treasurer for the ISA. “Whether you plant Roundup Ready soybeans or non-GMO soybeans, VIPsoybeans.org has the information available in your local area.”

“By adding these two web sites, ISA is showing our dedication to building demand for soybeans through premium programs and specialty contracts and exploring new soybean research and technologies through our vast database of yield and performance data,” added Cunningham.

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and administer legislation and membership programs. Contact ISA at 309-663-7692, or visit www.ilsoy.org.

by Dawn Zuidema, theCity1.com
January 16, 2009