Look up! What is that?

No… it's not a Chinese spy balloon. It's soybean futures.

And if your marketing and management plan is leaning toward soy, this will be a year to increase yields and maximize ROI.

At LG Seeds, we’re committed to your success, season after season. That's why we've put together our top five tips to boost your beans in 2023.

#1: Manage Your Nutrients

You know your fields. And you know that even the best genetics won't perform adequately without the proper nutrients and good soil health/fertility. Remember: soybeans need a boost, too. Sure, they may fix nitrogen, but last year's corn pigged out on your soil's phosphorus and potassium. 

Test your soil, make a plan that'll meet your goals, and don't forget—a nutrient management plan must include ALL nutrients, not just N, P, and K.

#2: Select the Best Traits/Genetics for Your Fields

Traits play a starring role in protecting (and increasing) your yields. Whether you need tried-and-true varieties or an up-and-coming standout, LG Seeds has the choices you need. 

Selecting varieties that fit your farm is crucial. What are your soil types? Is there disease and insect pressure? What weeds give you annual (or perennial) fits? What cultural methods do you employ? Work with your LG Seeds agronomist, and determine what traits are best for your fields. 

#3: Utilize an Effective Seed Treatment

It's important to safeguard your investment, and an extra layer of protection is a good idea—especially for early planted beans. Our AgriShield® PLUS combines proven fungicides and insecticides to fight against early-season diseases and insects, and our AgriShield® MAX with Saltro® provides those same safeguards, plus protection against nematodes and SDS.

#4: Make a Solid Planting Plan

Now it's time to get that seed in the ground. Prep your planter, consider your row spacing options, and determine the optimal planting depth for your fields. Then, tackle the big question—when should you plant? That's a tricky question loaded with many variables (location and weather are at the top of the list). But earlier is generally better. 

Ensure your rows are clean from crop residue to protect small plants from spring frosts. And consider this—research shows that planting after mid-May will result in a harvest-time yield loss of 0.5 bushels (or more) per day that planting is delayed.

#5: Stay on Top of Things In-Season

Once you’ve planted your soybeans, don't neglect them. Take stand counts to determine if replanting is required. Scout for diseases and look for insects. Fun (or not-so-fun) fact: If you find more than one stink bug within 36" of a 30-inch row, you've reached the economic threshold for treatment. 

Consider a foliar treatment to supplement your plants with nitrogen and potassium, and be sure to make a fungicide/insecticide pass at R3 or R4… this could result in a 6-8 bushel/acre boost come harvest time.

LG Seeds is by your side. No nonsense. No excuses. Reach out to an LG Seeds agronomist today, and let us help you boost your beans this growing season.