Northern Missouri is seeing the biggest drop in projected yields as hot, dry weather continues
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri soybean growers are watching the weather closely as a long stretch of heat and shrinking soil moisture take a bite out of this year’s yield potential.
The latest University of Missouri Extension soybean report shows projected yields have slipped in recent weeks, with northern Missouri taking the biggest hit.
And the forecast could get worse if the heat sticks around.
MU Extension soybean specialist Andres Reis says the combination of high temperatures and declining soil moisture is putting more pressure on soybeans just as the crop enters some of its most important reproductive stages.
Later April and May planted beans are particularly vulnerable as they move into pod development and seed fill.
Heat drives water demand higher while pulling moisture out of the soil faster. When the water supply cannot keep up, plants can struggle to hold pods and fill the beans.
Northern Missouri is showing the largest projected yield declines across planting dates and maturity groups.
It is not all bad news across the state.
Some April planted Group 4 soybeans in central and southwest Missouri are still carrying above average yield potential.
But that could change if dry conditions continue.
Extended moisture stress during seed fill can result in smaller beans, lighter test weights and fewer bushels at harvest.
Reis says drought stress is becoming a concern across much of Missouri as the crop moves through the stages that will determine final yield.
The MU Extension report is updated every two weeks and uses crop growth models along with current and historical weather information to estimate soybean development and yield potential around the state.
Researchers compare those projections with results from Missouri’s Soybean Farming System field trials.
For farmers, the report provides an early look at where the crop is headed before the combines roll.
With several weeks of hot weather still possible, Missouri soybean growers will be watching soil moisture and crop conditions closely.
The latest free soybean growth and yield report is available from MU Extension at https://muext.us/SGM.
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