The pathogens and insect pests of soybean have steadily changed in the past 30 years. Many pathogens are first detected in the southern USA and steadily make their way north. Soybean cyst nematode and the bean leaf beetle/Bean pod mottle virus complex are classic examples of this south to north migration of pathogens and pests. Sudden death syndrome (SDS) and stem canker are diseases that have been active to the south of Wisconsin, but appear to have become established in Wisconsin. Symptoms of both diseases were observed in 2003 and causal pathogens were isolated confirming the diagnosis based on symptoms. The following text is a general review of both diseases.