Soy Food Crop Reports for the 2026 Growing Season
The Soy Food Crop reports are provided by USSEC in collaboration with industry partners to keep customers apprised of the specialty soy crop’s progress across the U.S. throughout the growing season. The reports will be updated monthly. Please refer to the contact information in each regional update to request additional data, or contact Will McNair, Director, Soy Foods, Oil and Global Team Development, at wmcnair@ussec.org.
April and Early May 2026 Soy Food Crop Report
Wisconsin
Soybean planting in southern Wisconsin may get rolling in a few areas later this week, pending improved weather conditions. However, recent rainfall totaling 5–7 inches over the past 10 days has left fields saturated and in some locations, it may take an additional three to four weeks before conditions are suitable for widespread planting.
Soil temperatures remain slightly below optimal levels. Growers are generally waiting for a 24-hour average soil temperature closer to 55°F, with a consistent five-day average in the mid-50s or higher, before beginning planting. Once warmer, drier conditions arrive and fields firm up, planting progress is expected to accelerate quickly.
Contact: Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Company
cameron.hilgenberg@delongcompany.com
Indiana
Seed has been delivered and is staged in facilities across central Indiana, awaiting favorable planting conditions. While there have been a few short windows suitable for fieldwork, minimal planting has occurred to date.
As the region approaches the end of April, the next extended period of dry weather is expected to trigger a rapid start to the 2026 planting season.
Contact: Grant Fausset, Pence Ag
gfausset@penceag.com
Michigan
Fieldwork across mid-Michigan has been minimal, as the first half of April brought heavy spring rains. Combined with snowmelt, these conditions caused several local rivers to crest or exceed flood stage.
Until floodwaters recede and fields dry out, opportunities for early fieldwork will remain limited.
Contact: Chaise Wilson, Star of the West Milling Co. & Everbest Organics
chaise.wilson@starofthewest.com
Ohio
Soybean planting in northeast Ohio is expected to begin around April 27, weather permitting, and should progress quickly once field conditions improve. Recent temperatures ranged from the mid-60s to mid-70s before cooling on April 19, with warmer conditions expected to return later in the week.
Intermittent rainfall has helped replenish soil moisture, supporting favorable conditions for planting. Overall, the region is well-positioned for the start of the planting season if forecasted weather patterns hold.
Contact: Gracie Schwartz, Schwartz Farms
gschwartz@westfieldgrain.com
North Dakota
Cool and variable weather conditions in the Upper Midwest have delayed early planting activity. Soil moisture levels are currently adequate, and soil temperatures are beginning to rise.
Farmers are expected to begin planting other crops first, with soybean planting likely to follow in the coming weeks.
Contact: Scott Sinner, SB&B
ssinner@sb-b.com
Minnesota
Following a brief period of warm weather and a subsequent cold weekend, temperatures have returned to above-average levels, allowing planting to begin in parts of Minnesota. Activity has primarily focused on corn, though some soybean acres are also being planted.
The extended forecast remains favorable, with light showers expected early next week. Overall, conditions point to a typical spring planting season in the region.
Contact: Jake Noll, Richland IFC
jake@richlandifc.com
Virginia
Soybean planting in the Mid-Atlantic region is slightly behind schedule due to dry soil conditions. In the meantime, growers have focused on planting corn while awaiting improved moisture levels.
Forecasted rainfall later this week is expected to improve soil conditions and support a more active start to soybean planting during the week of April 27.
Contact: Tom Taliaferro, Montague Farms
tom@montaguefarms.com
Not funded by the Soy Checkoff