Farming Smarter in 2025: Precision Agriculture & Maximizing Profits with Jason Webster, Part 2

In Part 2 of his presentation at the 2025 Planter and Sprayer Clinic, Jason Webster focused on key agronomic strategies, high-yield soybean management, and emerging technologies in precision agriculture. Key Takeaways: 1. High-Yield, High-Management Soybeans Farmers were encouraged to share their highest soybean yields, with most reporting 80-89 bushels per acre, though some surpassed 100 bushels. Webster emphasized that many growers feel "stuck" at 50-60 bushel soybeans and highlighted ways to push yields higher. At the PTI Farm, soybean yields increased from 83 bushels (2018) to 110.4 bushels (2021), but progress has since stalled. The world record soybean yield now stands at 218 bushels per acre (set in 2024), showcasing untapped potential. 2. Maximizing Soybean Profitability Yield vs. Profit: Farmers typically measure success in bushels, but profitability should be the primary focus. Planting Strategy: Lower seeding rates (75,000 population in strip-till) combined with banded fertilizer resulted in higher yields and profits. Nutrition & Foliar Applications: Planter-applied fertilizers and irrigation programs significantly improved yields and profits. Foliar nutrition added 36 bushels per acre, increasing profit margins. Dry fertilizer alone was not enough—reallocation to in-season and foliar applications improved yield and ROI. 3. Phantom Yield Loss in Corn Delayed harvest can reduce yield. Webster studied moisture levels at harvest, discovering that corn at 26% moisture had the highest yield but shrank when dried. Elevators charge 1.4% shrinkage per point of moisture removed, but actual shrink is closer to 1.76%. Farmers could maximize profit by harvesting at 24-26% moisture and drying on-farm, saving $72 per acre vs. delivering to elevators. 4. Autonomous Grain Carts & Tillage Webster showcased a self-driving grain cart system that eliminates the need for an operator. Autonomous equipment also proved effective in high-speed tillage, running at 12 mph without a driver. The future of autonomous farming is promising, particularly in addressing labor shortages. 5. Closing Systems & Row Management Furrow Force automated closing wheels showed the best performance across conventional tillage, strip-till, vertical tillage, and no-till. Higher downforce pressure in no-till systems improved yield by 16.4 bushels per acre. Flag testing confirmed that late-emerging plants lost up to 80% of their yield potential. 6. Multi-Genetic Planting for Corn & Soybeans Precision planting with different hybrids in different parts of a field improved corn yields by 11 bushels per acre, adding $50 per acre in profit. A new multi-variety soybean planting trial in collaboration with BASF and Advanced Agrilytics seeks to optimize variety placement for maximum pod development and seed weight. 7. Fertilizer Innovations: Ziway Fungicide & Smart Hydrogel Ziway fungicide improved stalk integrity and prevented crown rot, adding 16 bushels per acre in yield. Smart Hydrogel retained soil moisture, boosting yield by 19.2 bushels per acre and adding $60 per acre in profit. 8. The Impact of Tire Inflation & Traffic Management Webster analyzed tire traffic and soil compaction, revealing that 91% of corn rows are affected by tire tracks. In-field yield data showed a 16.5 bushel loss per acre in rows impacted by compaction. Central tire inflation systems (CTIS) improved planter performance, increasing net profit by $71 per acre. 9. Short Corn & Narrow Row Corn Short corn (Bayer’s Preion Hybrid) showed promise in drought resistance but required higher seeding rates. 15-inch row corn outperformed 20-inch and 30-inch row setups, increasing net profit by nearly $60 per acre. Adoption remains slow due to equipment availability, particularly 15-inch row corn heads. Final Takeaways: Jason Webster’s Part 2 presentation at the 2025 Planter and Sprayer Clinic provided innovative agronomic insights and data-driven strategies to improve crop profitability in corn and soybeans. Key discussions covered precision planting, soil fertility, tire inflation, compaction management, and emerging autonomous technologies—all essential for maximizing yield and efficiency in modern farming. Watch for Part 1 of Jason's talk -    • Farming Smarter in 2025: Precision Agricul...   -- Precision Agri Services Inc. Phone - (419) 628-4167 Website - https://precisionagriservices.com/ Email - [email protected] FB - / precisionagriservices X - / pasi_tech