Currently 38 percentage points of U.S. soybeans are planted, which is slightly ahead of the five-year average. Yet, this spring hasn’t been perfect for soybean planting.
A farmer in east central Illinois says he’s been fighting the weather. “The soybeans that I did get planted are taking a long time to break ground due to the cold wet weather,” the farmer report. “It is starting to look like last year, you almost get in the field and along comes another rain. Then another, then another etc....”
Vince Davis, University of Illinois soybean extension specialist, says if you haven’t planted your soybeans yet, you are not late. “We are way ahead of schedule compared to the last two years,” he says. “We are not at a record pace, but a nice one.”
But, some yield loss is definitely occurring on a daily basis. Davis says in Illinois, farmers won’t see much of a yield difference if soybeans are planted between the last few days of April and around May 10. But after May 15, yield losses start occurring. He says this can range from 2/10 to ½ of a bushel loss.
Even with the potential losses, Davis encourages farmers to not put soybean seeds into cool, wet soils. “Farmers should be patient and wait for good soil conditions. At this point, it could turn real hot and dry soon,” he says. “This could cause sidewall compaction and crusting issues.”
Good Weather on the Horizon
QT Meteorologist Allen Motew says currently temperatures are still colder than normal across the Midwest, but this weekend will see widespread warming that lasts 10-11-days. (Read Motew’s latest forecast.)
Farmers should take advantage of good weather, Davis says. “It is critical to be scouting soybean fields now.”
Davis suggests farmers look for:
- Emergence issue
- Flooding or ponding
- Rotting seed
- Seedling diseases
By analyzing those issues, farmers can determine if replant is in their future.
For More Information
Crop Progresses In Saturated Soils
Soybean Percent Planted, Emerged
AgWeb Weather
AgWeb Crop Comments
You can e-mail Sara Schafer at sschafer@farmjournal.com.
