Michigan soybean growers can help develop a new online tool for optimizing soybean production
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EmailSurvey data collected from Michigan soybean fields will help in the development of a new online tool that can provide field-specific management guidelines.
With funding support from North Central Soybean Research Program, Michigan State University Cropping System Agronomy Program in cooperation with University of Wisconsin are conducting a multi-state project focused on helping farmers optimize soybean production. To do this, we will be analyzing data from farmer fields on crop management, costs and yields. We are using an online survey for collecting these data from Michigan soybean growers. These data will help in the development of a new online tool that can then provide management recommendations.
Our overall goal is to develop an open-source cropping system optimization decision tool that can provide management guidelines specific to your field. Over the last decade, massive amounts of data have been generated in soybean production and used in developing management guidelines across broad regions. However, there has been limited success in identifying field-specific guidelines. This project will focus on generating field-specific management decisions focused on maximizing not only yield but also profits by accounting for your input costs.
Participate in our survey or scan the QR code
**Those who participate will also be entered into two cash drawings of $1,000 and $500**
Our approach consists of collecting data from as many Michigan fields as possible. The survey takes about 20 minutes per field and asks information (mostly specific to 2022 season) about management practices, crop history, yield, seed, fertilizer and pesticide inputs for your operation. We will add soil, weather and satellite image data to your survey answers and crunch numbers to improve the precision of our recommendations. Our program is completely confidential and protected.
Following development, the publicly available tool will allow soybean growers to drop a pin in a field, enter input variables, and receive crop management decision help directly and through online scouting tools such as Sporecaster. The tool will recommend management practices that are specific to your fields to improve soybean production. By providing your field data, you can contribute to the development and accuracy of this tool for your operations. Collecting survey information about both management practices and expenses will allow this tool to recommend practices that go beyond increasing yield and allow growers to identify management practices that will optimize profits. The more data we collect, the more accurate the tool will be.
Additionally, Michigan growers who participate by March 31, 2023, will be entered into two drawings for cash prize of $1,000 and $500. Each field you provide information for will be one entry in the drawings (e.g., four fields = four entries). We will also provide all participants with a coupon to access a third-party optimization tool that you can try out in the 2023 growing season. The data you provide will stay confidential.
If you need assistance or have any questions about this survey, please contact Patrick Copeland at 513-280-7885 or copel113@msu.edu or Manni Singh at msingh@msu.edu. If you would rather complete this survey using a paper copy, please contact us and we will mail you a copy along with a return envelope.