One factor at our intensive soybean management trial is a Fungicide/ Insecticide application at R3. This is one of the more consistent measurement factors that you can implement on your farm to increase yield and ROI.
Generic Vs Branded
I understand farmers want to save a few bucks with the generic fungicide. However, that tech was built in the 70s and 80s. Newer fungicides have longer residual, more systemic and multiple modes of action, making them a more reliable investment. In my research and field experience, the extra yield you will receive from branded fungicides exceeds the added cost.