With the perception/reality of the Michigan soybean yield trend not "keeping-up" with other rotational crops, interest has been expressed by the Michigan State University Extension service in Cass County and local producers to research project "Experimental Soybean Production" (ESP) in hopes of identifying yield limiting factors. The initial effort will address agronomic, not economic yields.

Two S.W. Michigan soybean producers along with MSUE are adopting the "Kip Cullers" concept of using a small acreage to experiment for high yields. The premise for such an ESP effort is the need for a paradigm shift in the next decade to a yield goal of 70-80 bu/A.