You can find results of 2003 Minnesota soybean variety trials posted on the University of Minnesota (U of M) Web site at www.soybeans.umn.edu. Check with an office of the University’s Extension Service if you don’t have Internet access. “Variety trial results are a valuable decision-making tool when you’re choosing varieties,” said Extension agronomist Seth Naeve. “Choosing a variety is one of the most important decisions soybean producers make.” The variety trials are listed for the northern, central and southern Minnesota zones. Results include performance and characteristics of soybean nematode infested and non-infested sites. You’ll also find trial results on public and special use varieties, very early maturing varieties, and both Roundup Ready and conventional varieties. And, look for the “winners and losers,” which represents lists of varieties that Naeve recommends (or doesn’t recommend) based on yield and seed quality. “University trials are the only source for independent, reliable variety evaluations,” Naeve said.
