As farmers look to reduce feed costs or diversify markets, soybean acreage across Vermont is increasing. Local research is needed to identify varieties that are best adapted to this region. In an effort to support and expand the local soybean market throughout the northeast, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils (NWCS) Team evaluated yield and quality of short season soybean varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT as part of a grant from the Eastern Region Soybean Board.
Research Trial Quick Facts:
- EVALUATION: 31 varieties
- SOIL TYPE: Covington Silty Clay Loam
- PREVIOUS CROP: Corn
- PLANTED: May 23, 2022
- SEEDING RATE: 185,000 seeds/acre
- ROW SPACING: 30-inch rows
- HARVEST DATE: October 11 & 21, 2022
Conclusion: Overall, soybean varieties performed well averaging over 70 bu per acre this year. Under these conditions, all soybean varieties reached maturity and a harvestable moisture although harvest dates differed depending on the maturity group. Although little pest and disease pressure was observed, some differences were still observed and highlight the importance of local variety evaluation in soybean variety selection. These data suggest that soybeans in maturity groups 0, 1, and 2 can produce high yields under conventional management in Vermont’s northern climate. It is important to remember that these data only represent one year at one location and therefore should not solely be used to make management decisions.
Interested in learning more? Access the full2022 Conventional Soybean Variety Trail here. You can also check out the Oilseed Factsheet: Storage and Cleaning, as well as other soybean and oilseed-related resources on our Oilseed Crops webpage under the Factsheets, Bulletins & Guides dropdown.
We will continue to post all our 2022 Research Reports to the webpage as they are completed throughout the winter.