Most seasons start with a simple goal: make a profit. As you look back on 2017 to determine which of your decisions were profitable for your operation and which weren’t, start by considering the seed. Finding the best fit for your fields can go a long way toward maximizing end-of-season results.

If you’re a soybean grower in the thick of making 2018 seed selections, be sure to ask yourself these questions:

1. What soil type(s) do I have on my farm?

Not only are soil types different from region to region and farm to farm, they can differ from field to field. Variety performance can be impacted greatly by the soil type, so make sure you know what textures, pH levels, etc. you’re working with before deciding on your seed varieties.

2. Am I doing enough to combat disease?

If your soybean fields have suffered from back-to-back years of yield robbers like sudden death syndrome or white mold, it may be time to consider switching to varieties with better built-in disease tolerance. Syngenta agronomists recommend looking at the most recent 3-5 years of a field’s disease history, then seeking out varieties rated highly against the diseases you’ve repeatedly encountered. Many NK® soybean varieties offer high tolerance ratings against a range of critical diseases.

3. Will I be ready for Mother Nature?

Weather is unpredictable – that’s a given every season. Fortunately, you can minimize its impact and maximize yield potential by spreading risk. Diversify your seed portfolio and include varieties that will perform well even with water or weather stress. Also make sure to look for varieties with relative maturities that are right for your local environment.

4. What is my management plan for next season?

Don’t forget that factors like planting population, crop rotation and fungicide applications can all influence which varieties are best for your fields.

For more soybean seed selection recommendations, talk to your local NK retailer or sales representative.

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