How The Challenge Works

Participants are required to set up two side-by-side plots for entry into the Yield Challenge: 

• Check Plot - soybeans are grown using normal management practices
• Yield Challenge Plot - soybeans are grown using an innovative treatment or set of treatments that enhance yields

Figure #1: Example layout of a Yield Challenge field and the two-acre harvest areas for each plot.

The plots should be located on ground that is as similar as possible, and growers should plant the same variety of soybeans on the same day in order to effectively compare and identify strategies that may contribute to yield increase. The GPS coordinates of Yield Challenge plots must be reported to the Yield Challenge  officials by July 1, 2012.

How is data collected? 

Throughout the season, participants monitor their crops, record planning and growth information, and collect harvest data and other details.

How do I figure yield estimates?  

In order to determine accurate yield estimates, each participant must select a two-acre harvest area from each plot. The harvest area can be designated in various ways as long as a minimum of two acres is harvested. For example, if using  a 30-foot-wide header, then eight swaths of 363 feet long each to total two acres can be harvested. Harvest operations must be witnessed by one or more harvest supervisors and be calculated on the basis of No. 1 soybeans corrected to 13 percent moisture, then converted to bushels per acre. 

Challenge Rules

Yield Challenge fields must be located in Illinois. Challenge winners agree to allow the Illinois Soybean Association and its cooperators and sponsors to use production data for promotional or educational materials, as well as activities and events.

NOTE: Any management used by participants in the Yield Challenge cannot violate any state, federal or local laws. Participants who fail to comply lawfully and/or ethically as determined by a Yield Challenge review panel are ineligible for further participation or rewards.

Challenge Administration

Yield Challenge is administered by the Illinois Soybean Association, with the assistance of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension specialists; researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University and Western Illinois University; and crop inspectors may serve as harvest supervisors and assist with data collection.

© Illinois Soybean Association | 1605 Commerce Parkway | Bloomington, IL 61704 | P: (309) 663-7692 | F: (309) 663-6981| www.ilsoy.org

The Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board (ISPOB) manages and invests soybean checkoff funds.
Separately, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) administers legislation and membership programs.