Guiding Principles

1. NCSRP Executive Board will review overall program impact and success and establish specific research priorities of regional importance on a five-year cycle (e.g. key diseases, insects, production practices, etc.).

2. NSCRP funded programs and projects will not be redundant with current state (QSSB) or nationally (USB) funded programs but may complement and extend state or nationally funded projects when addressing the common interests and needs of North Central region soybean growers.

• NCSRP will maintain communication and collaborative connectivity with QSSBs and the USB to maintain awareness of state and national soybean research priorities and funding.
• Regional researchers submitting proposals for NCSRP funding must provide clear statements of research being funded by a QSSB or the USB.

3. A multi-year research project or program proposals will be accepted for funding consideration, but annual renewal will be predicated on the successful generation and communication of meaningful annual results.

4. NCSRP emphasizes the collection, compilation, and dissemination of research results through appropriate peer-reviewed scientific abstracts and journals, extension publications, farmer-focused bulletins, appropriate websites (Soybean Research & Information Network), and databases (National Soybean Checkoff Research Database).

Collaborative Soybean Research Objectives and Priorities:
1. Soybean yield and quality enhancement through genetic improvement and biotic and abiotic stress mitigation for soybean maturity groups 0-IV.

• Classical and molecular soybean breeding efforts that will enhance yield potential and yield stability clearly focused to the North Central region.
• Research that addresses the control of insects and diseases (defensive traits) with consistent or potentially significant economic impacts across the North Central region.
• Research that addresses weed resistance to herbicides for species of common occurrence and threat across the North Central region.
• Research that addresses soybean response to water, nutrients, soil and environmental conditions unique to the North Central region.

2. Soybean production practices that will increase yield, profitability and environmental stewardship issues specific to the North Central region.

• Soybean–corn rotations
• Plant populations, row spacing, and input management
• Water quality and watershed planning
• Cover crops and other conservation agronomy
• Soybean production sustainability and life cycle assessment and life cycle assessment.