Updated September 14, 2020:
The plot in Lycoming County was planted on May 27, 2020, with 3 varieties of STS soybeans. The plot was planted on 15-in rows at an approximate planting population of 157,000. Each variety was planted in a strip slightly wider than the combine that will be used at harvest, and there are 4 replications of each variety. Each strip runs the full length of the field. The varieties obtained for the trial are Pioneer P25t01s, Clewell CPM2920STS, and Pioneer P39a82s. On June 1, the plot was sprayed with the pre-emerge program, containing the following rates and products: 5oz Verdict (saflufenacil and dimethenamid-P), 1.5oz Zidua (pyroxasulfone), and 24oz glyphosate. On July 16, the plot was sprayed with the post-emerge program, containing the following rates and products: 1oz Synchrony (chlorimuron ethyl and thifensulfuron methyl) and 7oz TapOut (clethodim). Both herbicide passes were applied in the opposite direction of planting so that the tire tracks from the sprayer would impact all replications equally. As of this writing, the field is at approximately the R5 (beginning seed) stage of maturity.
The plot was challenged early in the season with some wet weather. Shortly after planting, the area received approximately 4 inches of rain, and parts of the field were submerged for a couple of days. Some of the lower spots in the field (not included in the plot) showed some evidence of poor emergence, but it was not evident later in the season.
Pest pressure throughout the plot has been relatively low. Like many other soybean fields throughout the region, there has been some pressure from grasshoppers and some level of drought stress, but the plants seem to be developing normally. The herbicide program was effective at managing the populations of concerning weeds. While some burcucumber plants were observed in early season scouting, there were not any significant infested areas in the field during August scouting. There was some volunteer corn present, but it was in decline due to the application of TapOut. No marestail plants were found during August scouting.
At this writing, the premium price in the local area for non-GMO soybeans is still strong. The premium is approximately $1.10/bu and has been climbing through this growing season. There are additional local (organic) processors interested in including non-GMO products in their portfolio as well. Additionally, our farmer-cooperator indicated that the seed cost was comparable, and the herbicide program was somewhat less expensive than his traditional program. Assuming similar yields to the traditional program (indicated through our August scouting), this provides an excellent opportunity for increased profitability locally.
Challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic have not allowed the site to host a field day for local producers. However, the format of this plot will allow for some results to be shared through the winter with small groups that may benefit from exploring this additional local market.