As most soybean producers know, soybean planting seed is in short supply due to unacceptable germination. Researchers and Specialist with the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture want to find out why.

This is Eugene Terhune, Woodruff County Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.

County Agents throughout Arkansas will be conducting a surveys of soybean planting seed this year. They hope to collect 1000 samples of soybean planting seed during the planting season. Extension researchers hope to study this planting seed to determine what conditions effect seed germination and seedling vigor.

Soybean growers, who want to participate, will be asked to provide 3 pounds of their soybean planting seed, a copy of the seed tag and a completed survey form. Samples will need to be collected on the day the seed in planted. Agents will need to collect information from participating growers, which will include the GPS coordinates of the field where the seed is planted. Researchers hope to provide a summary of the results as part of the Division’s Seed Quality Education Program and use this information to guide additional research.

If you are interested in helping with the soybean planting survey, contact your local County Extension Agent. This is Eugene Terhune, Woodruff County Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.