Planting Patrol: Clements Discusses Checkoff-Funded Production Resources

Planting is well underway, and for all of your soybean-production questions, the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board’s (MSPB’s) website, www.MSSOY.org, has your answers.  Tim Clements, MSPB chairman and Greenville farmer, shares the resources he uses when preparing for soybean season.

Be sure to check back for more updates from MSPB board members.

Q: Could you tell us a little more about your farming operation?

A: I’ve planted soybeans forever. I produced my first crop of soybeans in 1986, and before that I worked on the family farm. This year, we decided to opt out of planting corn, and we are planting all soybeans. We were going to place corn on heavy clay soil behind land forming, but with the sustained rainfall in February and March we have opted to plant all soybeans this year.

Q: What factors do you consider when choosing seed?

A:  I use the variety selector tool on the MSPB website that features searchable data from Mississippi State University (MSU) variety trials, which are conducted around the state, on various soil types and in irrigated and non-irrigated fields. I also use other field trials. I look for varieties that yield well in the same soil type that I have and come with resistance to the diseases on my farm, specifically frogeye leaf spot and charcoal rot.

Q: Could you tell us about the soy checkoff’s production-research program and what it offers farmers?

A: We have a lot of information available on the MSPB website, such as blog posts and our seasonal resources page, to help farmers manage various production issues. The information is organized by production period to offer quick access to the most relevant guides, research results, white papers and videos. I also suggest visiting the Mississippi Crops Situation Blog, which gives farmers timely information from a variety of extension and research personnel at MSU. MSPB is very serious about spending checkoff dollars on projects to benefit all farmers in Mississippi.