In all comparisons, higher yields occurred when the varieties were chosen from the 3-location average rather than the single location results. Percent increase in average soybean yields in subsequent year at three locations using the highest yield soybean variety chosen in that location and the average yield of three locations. Percent increase in average soybean yields in subsequent year at three locations using the two highest yielding soybean varieties chosen in that location and the average of the three locations. Percent increase in average soybean yields in subsequent year at three locations using the three highest yielding soybean varieties chosen in that location and the average of the three locations. These results simulate the situation where three farmers each have an on-farm trial and use the results of their individual trials to choose soybean varieties to grow next year on their farm.
Most growers plant more than one variety.
Comparison of relative yields in subsequent year of three groups of soybean varieties chosen from single locations and using the average of three locations. We analyzed corn test results from the University of Wisconsin Corn Performance Testing Program conducted at Arlington, Janesville, and Lancaster, Wisconsin. The same analysis procedure as discussed for soybean was followed for corn. Hybrids were ranked and the highest yielding three hybrids were chosen from each single location and from the 3-location average and yield determined from the tests next year. There were 6 years for choosing corn hybrids and monitoring their next year yields.