September 2-3, 2026 | Jackson, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is proud to host the 2026 Southern Soybean Breeders Tour. For the first time since 2012, we invite the breeding community to the Volunteer State for an in-depth look at the research, innovation, and production strategies shaping the future of soybeans in the Mid-South.
This year’s tour builds on over a decade-long tradition of excellence, offering a comprehensive look at:
- Advanced Breeding & Genetics: Insights into high-yielding lines and genetic gains
- Disease & Pest Resistance: Field-side discussions on managing nematodes and late-season pathogens
- Agronomic Innovation: Real-world applications in weed management and soil health
- Interactive Field Tours: Direct access to UT’s latest trials and production landscapes
This annual event, held for more than a decade, draws breeders, agronomists, students, and industry stakeholders together for an engaging look at the host state’s soybean research and production landscape.
The 2025 tour, hosted by the University of Georgia under Dr. Zenglu Li, set a strong benchmark for future events. Tennessee aims to build on that success with a program covering soybean breeding, genetics, agronomy, plant pathology, and other aspects of crop production in Tennessee and the Mid-South. Specific program details to come.
Registration is OPEN!
Photos
Main Location
Program
Tuesday, September 1
| 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Breeders Tour Registration Opens |
Wednesday, September 2
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Breeders Tour Registration |
| 8:00 AM | Welcome – Chris Wyman |
| 8:20 AM | Bus to AgResearch and Education Center at Milan |
| 9:00 AM | Group A: West TN Agricultural Museum Tour Group B: Milan Station Overview |
| 9:45 AM | Group A: Milan Station Overview Group B: West TN Agricultural Museum Tour |
| 10:30 AM | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 AM | RECM Field Tour Using data to do more – disease monitoring and management with new technologies Dr. Heather Kelly, Dr. Elias Zuchelli, Shiksha Sherma, and Lucas Marques Soybean Insect Management in Tennessee Dr. Sebe Brown UT Soybean Breeding and Genetics Dr. Chris Wyman |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Provided |
| 1:00 PM | Bus to Tosh Farms |
| 1:45 PM | Tour of Tosh Farms Henry, TN |
| 3:45 PM | Bus to West Tennessee Research & Education Center |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner Provided |
| 6:30 PM | Graduate Student Social |
Thursday, September 3
| 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Breeders Tour Registration |
| 8:30 AM | WTREC Field Tours UAS Imagery and Plant-Soil Sensors for Monitoring Soybean Water Dynamics Under Variable Weather Conditions Charles ‘Munga’ Muiruri and Dr. Avat Shekoofa Boosting Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Resistance Through Soil Health Dr. Alemayehu Habteweld USDA Impact of planting date on disease incidence, severity, and soybean yield Dr. Jake McNeal & Shiksha Sharma Soybean Scout School Dr. Sebe Brown Students Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management Dr. Larry Steckel & Students |
| 10:30 AM | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 AM | WTREC Field Tour USDA Southern Uniform Test Tour Tennessee State Variety Trial Tour |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch Provided |
| 2:00 PM | Adjourn |
Hotel Information
We have a block rate available at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Jackson for $139/night. Here is the link to the block rate.
Additionally, here are a few nearby hotels:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jackson 1770 US-45 BYP, Jackson, TN 38305
- Hyatt Place Jackson / West Tennessee 518 W Forest Ave, Jackson, TN 38301
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Jackson 1335 Vann Dr, Jackson, TN 38305