St. Louis, MIssouri
February 4, 2009
The American Soybean
Association and BASF
Corporation are inviting U.S. soybean producers to sign up
for the 2009 Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Challenge. In pursuit of
greater profitability, nearly 300 growers in 25 states took part
in the 2008 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 use
enhanced crop-management technology and techniques to maximize
yield and profitability in soybeans. 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.
"ASA is partnering with BASF on the SOY program because part of
our mission is to help identify new ways for ASA members to
maximize soybean yield and profitability," said ASA President
Johnny Dodson, a soybean producer from Halls, Tennessee. "The
crop management practices outlined in the SOY program give
soybeans a better start on account of reduced weed pressure, and
the use of a fungicide to boost overall plant health is
consistent with our goal of providing customers with high
quality U.S. soybeans for food, feed and fuel."
The 2009 program will again provide a free one-year ASA
membership (new or renewal) for all growers who sign up to
participate in the field trials. Growers who enroll, participate
in three online training modules and submit field trial results
will also receive a $200 Cabela’s Gift Card. And on top of that,
growers who take just a bit more time to submit a "success
story" about their experience with the SOY Challenge will be
eligible to win prizes that include a 2010 Dodge Truck, $2,000
cash and trips to the 2010 Commodity Classic in Anaheim.
"BASF is very proud to partner with the American Soybean
Association on this very important program," said Nevin
McDougall, Group Vice President, North America, BASF. "With the
growing global demand for food and energy, it is important for
American growers to get the most out of every acre. We believe
programs like SOY help achieve that goal."
Participants agree to reserve at least 20 acres for a field
trial comparing two herbicide programs in Roundup Ready®
soybeans. Control acres should be treated with a single pass of
glyphosate in-crop. Test acres are to receive an application of
a BASF residual herbicide, such as Prowl® H20, Scepter® or
Extreme®, followed by a post application of glyphosate in-crop
as needed. In addition, the test acres are to be given an
application of Headline® fungicide for Plant Health, while the
control acres receive no plant health benefits or protection
against fungal diseases.
All ASA members will soon receive by mail an information flyer
with program and sign up details. The 2009 SOY field trials sign
up form and complete program details are available at:
www.SoyGrowers.com/SOY/.
The sign up deadline is March 13, 2009.
The American Soybean Association is the policy, domestic
marketing, new uses, research and international marketing
advocate of the U.S. soybean farmer. ASA is a membership
organization representing 26,000 soybean producers. It's mission
is to improve U.S. soybean farmer profitability.
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