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If you’re looking to diversify your income stream and want to capture premium prices, growing non-GMO soybeans may be a good strategy for your farm.
While growing non-GMO soybeans requires different recordkeeping, crop inputs and identity preservation after harvest than GMO beans, farmers can tap into the expanding market. Check out some of the resources highlighted here to learn more about making the switch.
Shift in Agronomic Management. While you may spend less on non-GMO soybean seed versus traited seed, weed control may take up some of that savings and more time.
That’s because non-GMO soybeans will not tolerate the herbicides that are commonly used in GMO soybeans. This article from South Dakota State University Extension weeds field specialist Gared Shaffer discusses how weed management strategies themselves are not that different from GMO production even if the products used are not the same.
“First, we always need a weed-free start at planting. This means do not plant unless the weeds prior to planting are controlled. To give you some time for a post application and to give your soybeans a head start, make sure to apply a preemergence herbicide before planting. Then apply, if needed, a postemergence application when weeds are less than four to six inches tall, which may be anytime between two to six weeks after soybean emergence. Refer to herbicide label before application for proper methods and any restrictions,” Shaffer notes in the article.
Other Production Considerations. This article from AgWeb addresses four questions soybean farmers should ask before they make the switch to non-GMO. Here are the highlights:
Non-GMO Handling Recommendations. According to a post on ILSoyAdvisor, farmers who want to take advantage of premium programs need to focus on the following:
Non-GMO soybean contracts are posted on SoybeanPremiums.org. Browse the company listing and see if there is a match for your operation. Make the switch.
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Mercaris is again partnering with Benson Hill, a business focused on delivering superior seeds including the eMerge Genetics portfolio of non-GMO soybean varieties. They are looking for growers willing to plant their High Oleic Low Linolenic, non-GMO soybeans for the 2022 growing season. While it is getting late in the year for planting decisions, this is a great opportunity to get premium prices and form a connection with a reputable buyer.
Contract highlights
Interested growers should send the following information to Darby Aherin (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 312-423-1878):
Name
Phone number
Farm zip code
Area Size