The United Soybean Board (USB) and the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) will help establish sentinel plots from south to north in the Soybean Belt to monitor northward movement of soybean rust for early detection and early warning for soybean farmers. These plots will complement those established by USDA.
Between USDA, USB and NCSRP, there will be a total of 20 sentinel plots established in most states. The checkoff will fund plots located in states where researchers believe USDA plot numbers may be insufficient. The number of additional plots in each state varies according to the number being funded by USDA funds.