Grainnet

2007 Illinois Soybean Harvest Test Results Released at Illinois Commodity Conference

Bloomington, IL--Complete test results from the 2007 soybean harvest were released to the public on November 20 at the Illinois Commodity Conference in Bloomington, IL.

The data is available online in the Varietal Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS), a searchable database funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.

The VIPS web site—www.vipsoybeans.org—offers regional analysis of yield, protein, oil and disease resistance for more than 600 soybean varieties.

It includes conventional, Roundup Ready® and public varieties from all major seed companies and nearly 250 producer-nominated varieties.

The unbiased data was compiled from 13 test fields throughout the state, from Mount Morris to Harrisburg.

“Variety selection is one of the most critical steps in growing a profitable crop,” said David Hartke, a Teutopolis, IL. farmer who is chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA).

“The VIPS database takes the guesswork out of that choice and helps farmers get a jump on spring planting decisions.”

The recently redesigned site now offers a “quick search” feature that allows users to compare all varieties from one test location, from one company or from one harvest year.

Custom searches are also available to match varieties to growing conditions and special needs for nutritional attributes or disease resistance.

"VIPS is a user-friendly tool that brings unbiased, regional data to a central location,” added Hartke.

“With today’s soybean prices, every extra bushel per acre means even more to the producer’s bottom line.”

Hartke said the VIPS database also is a valuable resource for controlling the nutritional makeup of crops.

By comparing test results for protein, oil, linolenic acid and other attributes, farmers can choose varieties that earn premium prices from buyers who want specific types of soybeans.

Work already is underway on next year’s testing program.

In December, Illinois growers will receive a mailing and reply card for nominating their favorite varieties for inclusion in the 2008 trials.

Farmers who have limited access to the VIPS web site can request a printed copy of the results by calling the ISA office at 309-663-7692.

A printed copy will also be featured in the December issue of the Illinois Soybean Review.

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean farmers.

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.

For more information, call Kayla Rassi at 309-663-7692.