The American Soybean Association and BASF Corporation are inviting U.S. soybean producers to sign up for the 2008 Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Field Trials program.

In pursuit of greater profitability, more than 100 growers across the country took part in the 2007 SOY program, and many more utilized the methods and products described in the program to conduct their own “unofficial” field trials.

The SOY program provides an opportunity for growers to apply the latest knowledge to their soybean crop. In addition to the one post application of glyphosate routinely used on Round Ready® soybeans, SOY program test acres are to be treated with a burndown application that includes a BASF residual herbicide plus one application of Headline® fungicide at R2-R3.

“I was pleased to see a 5 to 7 bushel increase on my yield monitor when I was harvesting the Headline-treated beans,” said ASA President John Hoffman, who farms near Waterloo in northeast Iowa. "In my estimation, with higher prices and input costs in 2008, more producers are going to consider the value of intensive crop management practices because they pay off.

While it is unlikely that man will ever figure out a way to control the weather to his advantage, producers do have the power to adopt enhanced weed and disease management techniques that can result in healthier plants and greater yields. It is no secret that agronomists have for several years been advocating new methods to maximize soybean yields utilizing the technology and products already available today.

Growers reporting harvest data in the 2007 SOY program saw an average yield advantage of 6.8 bushels/acre for the SOY trial versus the Control acres. With current futures prices exceeding $12.00 per bushel, the SOY acres have the potential to earn an average of $81.00 more per acre.

For decades, farmers and researchers thought 100 bushels/acre represented the outer limits of soybean yields. But ASA member Kip Cullers, who set another new world record for soybean production in 2007 with a yield of 154.74 bushels/acre, says ultra high yields are well within reach of many growers.

“The two most important things you can do to maximize yield is pay attention to plant genetics and be proactive about protecting your crop from diseases,” Cullers said. “A healthy plant is a happy plant and applying Headline fungicide is a key step in protecting my soybeans from disease and ensuring Plant Health.”

Cullers’ progressive approach to farming and his focus on innovative products has not only helped him achieve record-breaking yields, but has shown other growers that soybeans possess far more genetic yield potential than people ever imagined.

“What Kip Cullers is accomplishing with soybean yields is very impressive – as I was able to see first-hand when I visited his farm this year,” said Dr. Gary Fellows, BASF technical manager. “He’s pushing the yield barrier higher than any of us might have thought possible. With proven results like this, many growers will continue to see the improved disease control and Plant Health benefits of Headline fungicide.”

“It’s becoming clear to me that Plant Health is a key to high yields. With Headline, I know I’m helping to get the most out of every plant,” said Cullers, who grows 7,500 acres of corn and soybeans in southwest Missouri. “I’m excited to see these tremendous results again in this year’s crop. With attention to detail, proactive management and the right technology, who knows where we’ll go next year.”

All participants in the 2008 Secure Optimal Yield Field Trials program must be members of the American Soybean Association, and ASA is offering a free one-year membership (approximate value $70.00) when growers sign up for the 2008 SOY program. Current ASA members who sign up for the program will receive a free one-year extension of their current ASA membership. And upon completion of the program, qualified participants can earn a $250 Cabela’s Gift Card from ASA when they provide the required field trials harvest information.

SOY program participants will also be invited to a special breakfast event on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at the Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tenn., where they will meet representatives from the ASA and BASF, and listen to Kip Cullers talk about how he set the new world record for soybean yield. This breakfast is an optional event and participation is not a requirement of the Secure Optimal Yield Field Trials program.

The 2008 SOY field trials sign up form and complete program details are available here

The sign up deadline is Feb. 15, 2008.