Modern, elite soybean varieties respond well to early planting. Multiyear results from ISU research farms suggest that mid-April to early May planting dates most often produce top yields. Research farm and on-farm strip trials also suggest that elite varieties yield similarly over a wide range of seeding rates and resulting harvest populations. Based on these results, producers are advised to plant soybeans as soon as spring field conditions allow, with a seeding rate of 150,000–175,000 seeds/acre.