2012 Yield ChallengeSubmitted by Clara Miles and used in cooperation with the University of Illinois at Urbana-

Champaign. The materials that appear in this document may be freely reproduced for

educational/training activities. There is no requirement to obtain special permission for such uses. We do, however, ask that the following statement appear on all reproductions:

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The University of Illinois and its affiliated entities, in addition to the individual submitting the materials, assumes no liability to original work or activities therein.

2012 YIELD CHALLENGE, by ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATIONMaterials produced for classroom use in conjunction with permission from the University of Illinois Agricultural Education Program.

2012 Yield Challenge

For Community Colleges and FFA

What is Yield Challenge?

• Cooperation between Farmers, Agri-business, Researchers, and Schools to raise Illinois soybean yield levels

• Real-world conditions that relate to farmers real production challenges

• Opportunities for innovations, discovery, demonstrations, and teaching opportunities

Yield Challenge is Important• To Farmers:

– finding and implementing effective ways to improve Illinois soybean yields

• To Schools and Students: – Hands-on experience in crop science planning,

field execution, and learning experiences– Exposure for FFA and College ag programs– Cash awards to winning school ag departments– Spark interest in future crop science careers

Simple Rules and Protocol• Need 4 acres for plots – record practices and

results– 2 acres normal production (check)

– 2 acres yield enhancing practices (challenge)

• Same variety on each plot

• Flexibility in what is to be researched – Green light to test what interest your farmers, supporters, and

student curriculum – make it fit your students

• No cost to schools – and agri-businesses may support

• Compete against county average soybean yield

Categories of Testing – one or more

Pre Plant (fertility, soil treatments, etc.)Tillage Options Seed TreatmentsSeeding OptionsWeed Control OptionsFoliar FeedingFoliar InsecticidesFoliar FungicidesHarvest Practices

How to get started….

• Yield Challenge website: www.yieldchallenge.org

• Contact Jim Nelson –309-825-7542 –or email: yieldchallenge@ilsoy.org

Illinois Soybean Association Crop Science Scholarships

UIUC, SIU, WIU, & ISU

Up to 10 available @ $4,000 eachFind out more at: IAA Foundation Website:

http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaaf/Scholarships/ISA_Crop_Science_Scholarship_Program.html

or www.ilsoy.org