Typically, about 250 varieties consisting of conventional, glufosinate only resistant (Liberty), glyphosate only resistant (Roundup), glyphosate and glufosinate resistant (Liberty and Roundup), 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate resistant (Enlist), and glyphosate and dicamba resistant (Extend) varieties from over 20 seed companies are tested annually. The UI Variety Trial sites represent the major soils and maturity zones of the state. Non-irrigated, 30-inch-row-width with all herbicide traits combined in one trial are conducted on a regional basis. The regions are as follows: Region 1, Fenton, Mt. Morris and DeKalb; Region 2 Monmouth, Goodfield and Dwight; Region 3, Perry, New Berlin and Urbana; Region 4, St. Peter and Belleville; and Region 5, Elkville and Harrisburg. For sampling and analysis, 1-pound soybean seed samples are collected at harvest (September – November). For analysis, upon arrival at the Variety Testing Facility, samples are cleaned and analyzed by NIR to determine their protein and oil content.
Data is supplied to the Illinois Soybean Association and online to the U of I Variety Trial Website.
The variety program utilizes Almaco precision planting and harvesting equipment. The UI variety testing website receives over 16,000 views a year. The testing results are published in FarmWeek, and reports are dispersed at various conferences help by Extension each year.