By Blake Jackson
The 2026 Wisconsin Soybean Performance Trials evaluated a broad selection of soybean varieties from commercial seed companies, independent breeders, and university researchers.
The trials included commercially available cultivars, experimental varieties, and additional entries used for comparison, according to Shawn P. Conley, professor of agronomy and state soybean and small grain specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The trials were conducted using conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-till systems. Soybeans were planted at a rate of 160,000 seeds per acre in rows spaced 15 inches apart, allowing researchers to assess variety performance under different production practices.
Wisconsin experienced substantial weather variability throughout the 2026 growing season, creating challenging conditions for soybean development and seed quality.
April was the wettest on record since statewide records began in 1895, with an average of 6.53 inches of precipitation, more than twice the typical monthly amount.
Temperatures were also 1°F to 6°F above normal, placing southern Wisconsin and the state among the warmest Aprils on record. Severe spring storms are added to the unusual conditions.
May brought a sharp change, with rainfall falling below half of normal levels across much of Wisconsin. Hot, humid weather continued through June and July, accompanied by uneven precipitation.
Heat indices exceeded 100°F in July, while rainfall ranged from 150% to 200% of normal in parts of southwestern and central Wisconsin. East-central and northwestern areas received less rainfall, contributing to localized drought and abnormally dry conditions.
August and September were unusually warm and wet across western and southern Wisconsin. September temperatures averaged approximately 2°F to 3°F above normal, largely because nighttime temperatures remained elevated.
Some western Wisconsin weather stations recorded more than 7 inches of September rainfall, exceeding normal levels by over 3 inches.
These contrasting weather patterns raised concerns about soybean seed quality across the state. Growers seeking additional information about the challenges affecting Wisconsin soybeans can consult the following resources:
Researchers assessed soybean varieties using yield, lodging, maturity, and seed composition. Yields were calculated in bushels per acre at 13% moisture, while lodging scores measured how well plants remained upright at maturity. Maturity was determined by pod color or the occurrence of frost.
Protein and oil content were measured using SCiO near-infrared sensors mounted on combines. This technology provides additional information about grain composition, helping farmers compare varieties based on both productivity and nutritional value when making seed selection decisions.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Soybeans