Based on USDA soybean production records since 1924, soybean yield has been increasing linearly at a rate of about 1/3 of a bushel per acre per year. The technological and financial resources devoted to soybean breeding have increased enormously over the past 75 years but the rate of yield gain has not changed. This lack of change is a concern for soybean breeders and it should also be for soybean farmers. The genetic potential of the varieties grown have a major impact on average soybean yield. A very reasonable strategy for changing the rate of yield gain in soybean varieties is to change the genetic base of those varieties.