A summary of the 2011 SMaRT program’s soybean trials is available online

Make management decisions for 2012 with the results from the SMaRT program’s 2011 on-farm research trials.

The SMaRT (Soybean Management and Research Technology) program was initiated by the Michigan Soybean Checkoff on November 1, 2010, to help Michigan soybean producers become more profitable. The SMaRT program is a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff. One of the main objectives of the SMaRT program is to help soybean producers evaluate the performance of new products, practices and equipment through well-designed, on-farm research projects.

Fourteen different on-farm research projects were conducted and statistically analyzed in 2011. The 2011 projects fell under three main categories: tillage, nutrient management, and planting populations. Results from some of the trials were presented at winter meetings and summarized in MSU Extension News articles. The Michigan Soybean Checkoff also paid for the printing and postage to send a summary of the 2011 trials to approximately 12,000 Michigan soybean producers.

Because the information may be beneficial to agribusinesses, agronomists and soybean producers outside of Michigan, the publication “Summary of the 2011 SMaRT On-Farm Research Projects” is available at the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee’s website.

Questions or comments regarding the information presented in the publication should be directed to Mike Staton, MSU Extension soybean educator by phone at 269-673-0370 ext. 27 or by e-mail. Comments can also be sent to the Michigan Soybean Checkoff at soyinfo@michigansoybean.org.

Plans are well underway for the 2012 SMaRT on-farm research trials. Please contact Mike Staton if you would like to evaluate a new practice, new product or piece of equipment on your farm in 2012.

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