From early-spring drought conditions to heavy rains, there was never a dull moment for Wisconsin farmers this growing season. And despite bouts of contentious weather soybean fields across the state are on track for near-record to record yields this fall.

According to University of Wisconsin–Madison soybean specialist Dr. Shawn Conley, the strong crop comes as researchers roll out new tools aimed at helping farmers make field-specific decisions. One of the tools, Badger Crop Network, which brings together researchers from various disciplines and crops, has already seen strong farmer response.

“Growers want straightforward, science-based information they can trust,” Conley said. “This platform brings resources together in one place so farmers can find answers without wasting time.”

Conley’s team is also testing artificial intelligence tools designed to help farmers sort through product claims and generic recommendations. The goal, he said, is to deliver insights tailored to individual fields.

“There’s a lot of information out there, but not all of it is useful,” Conley said. “AI can help farmers focus on research-backed recommendations.”

Drones are becoming a larger part of research and management efforts across the state. Conley said his team is expanding work in application technology and remote sensing to refine prescriptive applications. The approach could allow farmers to target inputs more precisely, improving efficiency and return on investment.

Nutrient management also remains central to soybean yields. New nitrogen and potassium tools are being developed to help farmers optimize fertilizer spending and boost yields.

“We’re not just chasing bushels,” Conley said. “The goal is to build tools that deliver a consistent return on investment for farmers.”

As harvest approaches, researchers say soybean growers can look forward to a strong crop and the continued development of technology designed to keep soybeans profitable in Wisconsin fields.

To learn more about research done by Conley and his team, visit badgercropnetwork.com.