Early Planted Soybeans Struggling, Could Impact Yields This Fall

Soybeans, weather
Soybeans on a sunny day. Photo: Ashley Davenport

As of Monday’s Crop Progress Report, 64 percent of Michigan’s soybeans are rated in good to excellent condition. While the majority of the crop is favorable, the early planted soybeans are having a tough time.

“I haven’t seen a lot of disease, but a lot of thin stands due to early planting,” said Ben Hoyt of Specialty Hybrids. “We probably pushed planting date windows and lowering populations made a lot of soybeans around here average at best.”

These patchy stands are a result of frost from earlier in the season and cold ground temperatures. That could put a damper on yields come harvest, especially in the south central part of Michigan.

“There’s a major concern about this fall because of so much replant and then the difference in the crop come fall time—probably will be a late harvest around here due to the replanting, difference of maturity and dry down,” said Hoyt.

There’s been a shift for growers to start planting soybeans early. But Hoyt says early planted corn always tends to yield well. That batch of corn will hit a good window for pollination.

“It’s only the second time I’ve seen corn in this area produce tassels shortly after the 4th of July,” he said. “What a perfect time for temperatures and moisture for pollinating corn.”

There’s still a way to go yet before harvest starts, but time will tell how the crop will turn out.

“There’s an old saying that it’s hard to raise a good corn crop and a good soybean crop in the same year,” said Hoyt.

This update was made possible by Specialty Hybrids. More information can be found at specialtyhybrids.com.

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