Harvest season is quickly approaching for soybean farmers in the north central region of the United States. This regular feature provides an update of crop growing conditions from several farmers, along with happenings across the farm to ensure overall quality of their product.
In southern and central North Dakota, dry weather throughout the growing season has taken away top yield potential from most soybeans, although the potential varies highly from field to field, showing how sparse and scattered the rain has been. Although crops were planted very late due to wet field conditions in the spring, the warm summer has really pushed the crop along, giving North Dakota farmers hope for a mature crop before a frost. Eight percent of North Dakota soybeans are rated excellent, while 49 percent are considered good.
West central Minnesota farmers report similar conditions to North Dakota: late planting and a lot of dry weather. In southeast Minnesota, however, soybeans look spectacular and seem to be progressing close to normal, despite slightly late planting. At times, this area received a little bit too much moisture, which could lead to a yield reduction in corn. Eleven percent of the state’s soybeans are considered in excellent condition and 53 percent are good.
Farmers in central South Dakota can’t seem to buy precipitation! Many non-irrigated soybeans and corn are burnt up. In the northeast corner of South Dakota, soybeans look excellent, but only three percent of the state’s soybeans are rated excellent, with 48 percent rated good.
Central Nebraska farmers are experiencing drought issues as well. Twenty-eight percent of Nebraska soybeans are considered in very poor or poor condition, while 8 percent are excellent.
Farmers always face obstacles when growing soybeans, and 2022 has been no exception. Despite the challenges, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasted a record national production of 4.53 billion bushels. With harvest around the corner for many farmers, the industry is looking forward to another bountiful crop.
