We’re always looking for ways to learn more about how different soybean varieties perform under real-world field conditions. This year, we added a split-planter trial to our on-farm testing lineup to compare two soybean varieties: Pioneer® P25A16E and Beck’s® 2660E3.
This type of side-by-side, paired with the results of our soybean test plot, help us validate our test plot data in a true field-scale environment — giving us another layer of insight into how varieties handle variability across different soil types, slopes, and moisture conditions.
Photo Caption: Above is a field view of the 2 different varieties as they matured. The Pioneer® P25A16E are the yellower soybeans, and the Beck’s® 2660E3 are the darker soybeans. This view also shows the soil variations throughout the farm.
Trial Overview
This trial was planted on May 16, 2025, on a farm with sandy loam soils, similar to many fields across our operation and area. The field was conventionally tilled (chisel plowed in the fall, worked in the spring) and was corn in 2024.
Soybeans were planted in 30-inch rows at a target seeding rate of 125,000 seeds per acre, and 8 gallons per acre of 28% nitrogen and 10/34/0 fertilizer applied 2×2.
The planter was split — 6 rows of each variety — and run side by side across the farm. When you turn around at the end of the field, it will produce 12 rows of each variety, making it a simple pass with the combine.
To ensure an accurate comparison, we selected three different sections of the field that represented different soil environments and slope positions. Each strip was harvested and weighed individually, and moisture was recorded to calculate yield.
Harvest took place on September 29, 2025, following a stretch of hot, dry weather and only limited rainfall during August and September — conditions put every variety’s drought tolerance to the test.
| Strip | Variety | Length (ft) | Moisture (%) | Weight (lbs) | Yield (bu/ac) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beck’s® 2660E3 | 1,780 | 12.0 | 3,666 | 50.4 | Rolled over side of sand hill |
| 1 | Pioneer® P25A16E | 1,780 | 11.8 | 3,594 | 49.5 | Ran over top of sand hill – could have impacted yield |
| 2 | Beck’s® 2660E3 | 1,400 | 11.9 | 2,830 | 49.5 | Most consistent strip for comparison |
| 2 | Pioneer® P25A16E | 1,400 | 11.6 | 3,232 | 56.8 | Most consistent strip for comparison |
| 3 | Beck’s® 2660E3 | 420 | 11.7 | 642 | 37.5 | Woodchuck mound in this strip |
| 3 | Pioneer® P25A16E | 420 | 11.4 | 746 | 43.8 | — |
Weighted Average Calculation
Because each strip was a different length, we used a weighted average by strip length to determine which variety performed best overall. This method ensures that longer, more representative strips carry more weight than shorter, variable sections.
Formula:
Weighted Average = (Σ(Yield × Length)) ÷ Σ(Length)
Total length per variety: 1,780 + 1,400 + 420 = 3,600 ft
Beck’s® 2660E3:
(50.4 × 1,780) + (49.5 × 1,400) + (37.5 × 420) = 174,762
Weighted average = 174,762 ÷ 3,600 = 48.55 bu/ac
Pioneer® P25A16E:
(49.5 × 1,780) + (56.8 × 1,400) + (43.8 × 420) = 186,026
Weighted average = 186,026 ÷ 3,600 = 51.67 bu/ac
Yield Advantage: Pioneer® P25A16E led by +3.13 bu/ac
Observations and Key Takeaways
The most telling comparison came from Strip 2, where soil conditions were the most even. There, Pioneer® P25A16E outyielded Beck’s® 2660E3 by 7.3 bu/ac, highlighting its strength in consistent environments.
While some variability was expected due to slope and soil type (especially in the sandy sections), the weighted average results paint a clear picture: Pioneer® P25A16E continues to deliver dependable performance and strong stress tolerance.
Both varieties in this trial carried the Peking source of SCN resistance, which is an important tool in managing soybean cyst nematode (SCN)—the #1 yield-robbing pest in soybeans. However, not all Peking products are created equal. The Peking trait is controlled by three genes, and breeding for this resistance has proven to be complex.
Pioneer has a long history with the Peking trait and has demonstrated more consistent performance across environments. That consistency showed up again in this trial, as Pioneer® P25A16E held yield across variable soils and under moderate SCN pressure. Beck’s® 2660E3, while still a strong product, appeared to lose a bit more performance in stressed or lighter ground.
These results reinforce the value of understanding not just what trait a soybean carries—but how well that trait is expressed in the variety’s genetics.
Why On-Farm Trials Matter
Field-scale comparisons like this one are some of the most valuable tools we have. They strip away the marketing and show how seed really performs in your soil, your weather, and your management system.
When every field, hybrid, and input dollar matters, real-world data is what helps us make the best possible decisions for yield, consistency, and profit potential.
We may run split-plot trials like this in the years to come to build long-term data trends for our operation. Over time, that information helps guide everything from variety selection to management strategies that fit our ground best.
Summary
| Variety | Weighted Average Yield (bu/ac) | Yield Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer® P25A16E | 51.67 | +3.13 bu/ac |
| Beck’s® 2660E3 | 48.55 | — |
The results of our 2025 split-planter soybean trial were clear: Pioneer® P25A16E edged out Beck’s® 2660E3 by just over 3 bushels per acre on average. While both performed admirably across the field, Pioneer’s consistency, standability, and disease package continue to make it a top performer for our soils here in Northwest Ohio.
This data reinforces why Pioneer® P25A16E continues to be a staple variety on our operation — dependable performance, strong disease tolerance, and proven consistency across seasons.