Nonconformity is nature in Bill Jones’ world. In 2020, he triple-cropped to the tune of $1,700 per acre profit on 125 acres. “I don’t care at all that some people think I need to be in the nuthouse,” Jones says. “This is about ROI, hitting yield averages and taking care of my soil. Home runs are fine, but they’re for somebody else to chase.”

In Bob Lindeman’s soybean rows, planting populations are on a general decline. “In my area, I see everything from 150,000 even down to 90,000, but this is not about savings on seed,” he says. “The biggest driver is disease control to let air flow inside the canopy while, at the same time, maintaining or gaining yield.”

Illinois farmer Ryan Myers has increased his 60-bu.-per-acre yield average to 70-plus averages in just three years. How? By focusing on the details from variety selection to in-season management.

Thinking about trying to plant soybeans a bit earlier this year? Here are Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie’s top recommendations.