Deciphering Soybean Discovery and Answer Plot Data
Nov 10, 2026
Federated’s 2026 Soybean Discovery Plot results are in, and we’ve once again gleaned some great intel on our seed products.
“Overall, bean yields were surprisingly good despite a dry August,” said Federated agronomy sales manager Kevin Carlson. “Our Discovery Plots offered some really nice information to review.”
Follow these links to see the data for yourself:
Chisago - Carlson Soybean Discovery Plot
Buffalo - Holker Soybean Discovery Plot
Princeton - Steffen Soybean Discovery Plot
Princeton - Wilhelm Soybean Discovery Plot
Harris - Holstrom Soybean Discovery Plot
Isanti - Bostrom Soybean Discovery Plot
Carlson noted a handful of products that stood out from the crowd. “When looking at all of our plots, Brevant had an excellent showing. The 135, 155, and even 054, which is a really early bean, all did very well.” Carlson noted that 155 is a holdover from last year. “It’s been a really solid performer in back-to-back years, which is a good sign.”
NK products also performed well in our plots. “This is the third year in a row that NK 11-A4 has impressed us. A lot of the NK products do very well for us. A new product, 09-V2, was really impressive. Many of the NK products did not disappoint. They’re simply a very good soybean genetics supplier.”
Over on the Croplan side, some new products stood out. “We saw great results with Croplan 1160 and 1627,” Carlson said. “Both were well above the plot averages.”
As you know, August weather plays a huge role in soybean success, and across all of our Discovery Plots, the exceedingly dry August didn’t slow yields. “Some of that is due to genetics,” Carlson noted. “Both soy and corn are more consistent through different environments as technology has gotten better. But a lot of it is attributed to our growers as they’ve grown and learned what works and what doesn’t. Their soil management has gotten better, which helps the plants. Regardless, we’re pleased with the results of our Discovery Plots.”
Federated’s bulk soybean picks matched up well with plot results, which is something we’re proud of. “We’re taking in our bulk soybean seeds right now,” Cartson said. “We’ll be really well stocked with great-performing seed from our suppliers like Legend, Brevant, Cropland, and NK. Those are our big picks, and they worked well.”
We’ve also recently received soybean data from Croplan® Winfield United® Answer Plots®, and those results corroborate nicely with our own results. “In the Answer Plots, Brevant 135 and 155 did very well,” Carlson said. “NK 11-A4 did as well as it did in our Discovery Plots, and NK 09-V2, and 15-G9 also did well.” As they did in Federated Discovery Plots, Croplan 1160 and 1627 showed impressive results. “It’s always good when data backs up iother data,” Carlson said.
If you have any questions about the Discovery Plot results, Answer Plot results, or you still need to place your seed order, give your Federated Agronomist a call.