Michigan State University Extension field crop educators want to continue the effective, efficient and productive partnership that has developed between MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. The synergistic effects of the two organizations working together will benefit Michigan soybean producers through higher yields and lower productions costs. The objectives of this proposal are: 1) to fund the tenth annual soybean harvest equipment field day; 2) to provide an incentive for seed companies to enter earlier maturing soybean varieties into the central zone Roundup Ready early trial of the Michigan soybean variety performance trials; and 3) to fund on-farm research projects evaluating products and management practices having potential to increase soybean yields and/or profitability in Michigan. The products to be evaluated include: 1) soybean varieties adapted to the western upper peninsula and 2) early maturing varieties (MG 1.0 to MG 1.5) entered in the central zone trials of the Michigan soybean performance trials. The management practices will include: 1) equipment and operator adjustments for reducing soybean harvest losses; 2) inoculation timing on coarse-textured, irrigated soils; and 3) planting date effects on peak water use and irrigation scheduling decisions.
Signature of Principle Investigator Date:
11/10/