Protein content becoming more important in marketplace
REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. -- Soybean growers are encouraged to bring one-quart samples of last year's crop to the University of Minnesota Extension tent at Farmfest.
Samples will be analyzed for protein and oil content using NIR analysis procedures.
"Soybeans grown in Minnesota are below average in protein content, putting them at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace,'' said Wayne Hansen, Redwood/Brown County Extension director. "By selecting varieties that have both high yield and high protein, Minnesota producers can increase the overall protein level of their crop and its profitability.''
Producers can view soybean varieties with different oil contents in the Extension plots and compare the over-all value to the processor.
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They can also visit with soybean breeder Jim Orf and soybean specialist Seth Naeve about their own soybeans and other production issues.
"Bean leaf beetles, pod mottle virus, soybean aphids and plant diseases are all concerns to soybean producers this season,'' Hansen said. "We will have plots and displays explaining what to look for and treatment comparisons.''
Farmfest visitors will also have a chance to see Extension agronomy plots and see the results of planting corn at various depths.
A comparison of U of M recommendations on nitrogen to typical levels used by producers.
Extension also has plots with various plots looking at various treatment options involving corn rootworms.
"There are also display plots of the common native grasses being used for CRP and other uses,'' Hansen said.
Producers can also view some legume crops. The agroforestry plot on the north end of the agronomy plots displays several different woody plants that could provide economic opportunities for farmers.
The agronomy plots are located in the northwest corner of the Farmfest site adjacent to the joint ExtensionService/Minnesota Department of Agriculture tent.
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Extension education specialists will be on hand to answer questions related to the plots and on any other topics that farmers are interested in.
