Soy Food Crop Update
The Soy Food Crop report is provided by USSEC in collaboration with industry partners to keep customers apprised of the specialty soy crop progression in regions across the U.S. throughout the 2022 growing season.
Please refer to contact information within each regional update to request additional specific data, or contact Will McNair, USSEC Director of Oil and Soy Food Programs and Deputy Director of NE Asia, at wmcnair@ussec.org.
October 2022
Virginia / North Carolina
Oct. 11 - Very limited rainfall from August 15 - September 30 has negatively impacted yield. The full extent of the impact is not yet known, but estimates are approximately 20% below average. Initial receipts indicate the crop quality is average with smaller seed size. In terms of transportation, there are no new issues to report at this time. Vessel schedules are still hit and miss, and freight rates (container and dray) remain historically high.
Missouri
Oct. 11 - We are not yet at 5% harvest, so yields are difficult to predict, however early indications suggest they will be slightly above average. While we are seeing some green damage in the early cut of non-GMO soybeans, we are hopeful it will improve as we move further into harvest season, Transportation issues continue to be sgnificant, especially with railroad congestion and steamship lines rolling bookings.
For more information, please contact Adam Buckentine at adam.buckentine@theredwoodgroup.com
Michigan
Oct. 10 - This year's yields are considered average when compared to last year. Harvest is progressing slowly with currently about 20% of crops harvested. The quality this year is very good and transporation issues are improving.
For more information, please contact Bruce Wymer at bruce.wymer@starofthewest.com
North Dakota & Wisconsin
Oct. 10 - Yields across the region appear to be slightly above normal unless a farmer was in a small area that lacked moisture. Most of the soybean fields matured prior to a killing frost. There are a very small percentage of farmers that have some green tint, but not high percentages. The quality of this year's crop appears to be quite good. Protein content is average and seed size is large. Because of the killing frost, dirt staining shouldn’t be a major problem. There are no transportation issues to note other than all farmers are struggling to find help on their farms which certainly effects harvest efficiency.
Ohio
Oct. 10 - Harvest has begun for many growers and field conditions remain good for harvest to progress in most areas. We are seeing quite a bit of green stems/tough plants widespread throughout our growing region due to the season we’ve had favoring vegetative growth. It’s much too early to determine yields, but as of now we are seeing average to slightly above average yields overall (but less than last year) and should see harvest progress quickly in this week.
September 2022
Illinois & Wisconsin
Sept. 14 - The images included below were taken from fields in Clinton, WI and Minooka, IL this week. As you can see from the images, colors are changing and maturity has started. We have reached growth stage R7 in the Clinton area where pants will begin to show coloration and begin dropping leaves and the R8 stage in Minooka which is full maturity. These are actually the same soybean variety and you can see the differences in maturity from two different grower locations, planting dates, and environmental differences.
This Minooka, IL field is about 5-10 days away from harvest; while the Clinton, WI field is 5-8 days behind that. As mentioned in previous reports this year, we received timely rains late July through August which has put our yield potential in a good position.
Looking next at upcoming weather, which will play the largest role in soybean quality moving forward, we hope for seasonal temperatures and dry moisture conditions. Looking at the 8-14 day weather outlook maps below most of our area is in a slightly warmer temperature and leaning below moisture forecast. Hopefully these forecasts hold true and we have a good quality harvest.
For more information, please contact Austin DeLong at adelong@delongcompany.com
Missouri
Sept. 14 - We need rain to finish out the soybean crop and make sure pods completely fill out. So far, we’ve seen a little SDS, but in the plants we’ve picked we’ve seen many more 3 bean pods than 2 and a rain would certainly help continue that trend so the plant doesn’t start aborting seeds.
We got rain all summer and then in September the spigot shut off! We haven’t received measurable rain since August and our best chance is 24% on Saturday Sept. 17th. Temperatures have been and will remain above average through the 22nd when we drop down to the mid-70s for the remainder of the month.
With the weed pressure that we’ve experienced all year farmers would strongly prefer to wait for a killing frost so they can better handle the weeds in the fields. Missouri is typically one of the last areas in the Midwest to harvest soybeans anyway as farmers usually harvest some or all their corn prior to soybeans, so we anticipate not seeing any new crop soybeans until the middle of October.
Illinois
Sept. 12 - Recent weather has been excellent for finishing the soybean crop. Warm weather and ample rains should benefit our food grade soy origination area. Where early season dryness occurred, yields will be constrained as pod number is lower, with few 4-bean pods.
Grain quality should be excellent in the area. Fields are maturing with no abnormal insect or disease pressure. Harvest should begin week of 26 Sept with heavy harvest in our area from 3 October.
Latest 3 month temperature and precipitation forecast covering harvest in North America continues the warm and dry pattern of LaNina.
For more information, please contact Ken Dallmier at ken.dallmier@clarksongrain.com
Oct.-Dec. Temperature
Oct.-Dec. Precipitation
August 2022
Illinois & Wisconsin
August 17 - The images included in this update were taken in a field in Minooka, Illinois. Rain is key during the month of August to help the soybean plants produce seeds. Rainfall has been very spotty across much of northern and central Illinois with areas in northwestern Illinois receiving over an inch, and central areas receiving only 0.1-0.5 inches of rainfall. Inconsistent rainfall has been the trademark of this growing season. It was recorded that Minooka, Illinois got around 0.5 inches of rainfall during the last two weeks, which is helping to keep them on track! Much of central and northern Illinois is expected to get anywhere from 0.5-1.25 inches of rainfall over the course of the next 10 days which will help alleviate the areas in Illinois still registering on the Drought Monitor. We are currently in a cool spell across much of the Midwest with temperatures topping out in the upper 70’s.
Seed production has not stopped these plants from growing and they are measuring in at around 40 inches. Soybeans in central Illinois are the same height as, or a couple inches shorter than soybeans in southern Wisconsin/Northern Illinois. Yet, pod presence across both of these growing regions is very high! There are around 47 pods on one the stems of the plant. On average, a three foot soybean plant produces 30-50 pods, which is leaving us very hopeful of the potential yield across this growing region.
At this point we are around a week or less away from R6. R6 is also known as full seed when there are pods containing a green seed that fills the pod cavity at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem with a fully developed leaf. The plant pictured has around 15-17 nodes. It takes, at most, 20 days to progress from R5 to R6, and around 25-30 days to reach R7. We are still around a month and a half away from full maturity in these plants, and harvest is approaching quickly! Also in Illinois, soybeans blooming reached 93%, compared to the 5-year average of 94%. Soybeans setting pods reached 73%, compared to the 5-year average of 78%. Overall soybean condition was rated 2% very poor, 3% poor, 26% fair, 50% good, and 19% excellent.
As seed production is in full swing, we are paying extra close attention to what is going in the soybean fields this month. As long as the rainfall forecasts hold true, we can make a pretty accurate guess on yield counts in these fields, and we are happy with what we are seeing.
For more information, please contact Austin DeLong at adelong@delongcompany.com
Minnesota
August 9 - We have had great weather at Mankato, Minnesota with a few half inch rains that kept the crops looking good. Over the weekend of August 7-8 we had thunderstorms that dropped 3 1/2 to 4 inches that soaked everything really well. That will make the corn crop and do well for the soybeans too.
We have been spraying fungicide and insecticide (where needed) on the soybeans. Our soybeans are still behind due to the late start, but there does seem to be good pod set. The recent rain and warm weather should help the beans to catch up.
For more information, please contact Wayne Knewtson at wk@advsoy.com
Wisconsin
August 2 - The images included in this update were taken in a field in southern Wisconsin, not far from the Illinois border. Thanks to the much needed rainfall over the past couple of weeks, these soybeans just keep on growing! Soybeans are now measuring in at about 39-40 inches, and have grown anywhere from 9-11 inches since the last report!
We are seeing anywhere from 15-35 pods on each stem. Tall soybeans and strong pod production is a very good indication of a higher yield this fall. Some areas in southern Wisconsin received about 0.3-0.5 inches of rainfall over the last 10 days. The larger precipitation totals occurred more in central Wisconsin. While much of the Midwest is expected to receive more rainfall in the next two weeks, Wisconsin is forecasted to receive only about .5 inches. While the southern part of the state is not registering on the Wisconsin Drought Monitor, we have our fingers crossed for a good soaking rain in the coming week to help produce seeds in these plants.We are expect to see some pretty hot and humid temperatures for the remainder of this week, anywhere from the low to high 90’s, and then more moderate temperatures as we move into next week.
We are very happy to see these soybeans already producing seeds! They are currently in the R5 growth stage, also known as beginning seed. There are one-eight- inch-long seeds in the pods on one of the uppermost nodes of the main stem with an accompanying fully developed leaf. It takes anywhere from 11-20 days to reach R6, or full seed where the seed fills the entire pod cavity. Rainfall during this growth stage is crucial for seed production. These plants are still showing the presence of fully bloomed flowers on their stems, which means pod production is still occurring. We are currently about 60-68 days away from full maturity in these plants, and harvest will be here before we know it!
In Wisconsin, soybeans blooming was rate 77%, which is 1 week behind last year, but even with the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods was reported to be 41% , which is 8 days behind last year, and 2 days behind the 5-year average. Overall soybean condition was rated 77% good to excellent, which is 2 percentage points behind last week. The soybean crop in Wisconsin has come a very long way since they were planted in May! Despite their rough start, we are pleasantly surprised with how well they are progressing through the heart of the growing season. While we have been receiving adequate rainfall, we are always eager for more, especially during seed production. We are looking forward to a successful 2022 soybean crop!
For more information, please contact Austin DeLong at adelong@delongcompany.com
July 2022
Illinois
July 26th - The past weeks have brought warm weather and timely rains to our region. Soy growth is about normal with most fields in the late flowering/early pod growth stage. Northern and southern Illinois have had adequate moisture with the central part of the state somewhat dry, but this week should bring timely rain across the region. Long term weather models continue to trend slight warm and dry bias across the soy growing areas of the U.S. La Nina remains in place.
Grower activity includes fungicide treatment and weed escape herbicide application (especially if they sold the crop at record prices) for non-organic acres. Organic soybean cultivation and “weed zapping” to control weeds are progressing apace.
For more information, please contact Ken Dallmier at ken.dallmier@clarksongrain.com
Missouri
July 26th - Many soybeans are blooming and some are setting pods already. If current weather patterns hold, we may have a harvest that is slightly delayed because soybeans have been getting timely rains.
We’ve had two nights of rain and it rained all day yesterday. The longest stretch we’ve gone all year with no rain is 8 days and we have over 50% chance of rain again this Thursday, but the forecast does get warmer and drier next week.
With the frequent rains there has been limited time available to spray which has caused increased weed control problems. Cocklebur and water hemp are the two most prominent weeds that have been difficult to manage. We’ve also seen Japanese beetles that are causing complications with the crop as well.
Upper Midwest
July 26th - The crop in the upper Midwest is in good condition. Aside from a couple of dry areas and being about 10 days behind normal maturity, the overall condition continues to improve. We have gotten adequate rainfall and good temperatures to create optimal growing conditions. Most of the soybeans are flowering and a few are starting to put pods on. As of now, weed control appears to be fairly good and we have had minimal insect pressure other than some grasshoppers so at this point we are expecting a good crop.
For more information, please contact Scott Sinner at SSinner@sb-b.com
Ohio
July 25th - Planting is complete at this date. There are drowned out holes in some fields (due to too much rain), and these will likely not be filled in at this late date. The overall loss of planted acres has not been tallied yet, but my best guess is that this year’s loss is higher than long term trends would predict.
Weather extremes thus far this season have been trying. Many Ohio counties have received from 1.5 to 3 inches more rain in the past month than long term trends. Two particularly hot weeks have also passed through the area.
Even with the weather difficulties outlined above there are many areas in the state which have very good crop progress and should be able to produce a good crop this fall if more normal conditions return.
Michigan
July 20th - Soybean bloom across the US is rated at 32% with Michigan at 49% which is slightly ahead of the 5-year average of 44%.
Locally, the food grade soybeans are all starting to flower. The very earliest planted Natto beans have started to flower now, but most fields of that variety remain in the vegetative state. Stands continue to look good with nice branching happening making for good crop canopy and row closures. We continue to stay on the look out for potential insect or disease pressure, but nothing has popped up yet.
Pockets of Michigan have received some timely rains over the last 7 days that has helped the soybean crop handle warmer than average temperatures. Warm temperatures and sunshine are predicted for the next 10 days which will keep pushing the crop along.
For more information, please contact Bruce Wymer at bruce.wymer@starofthewest.com
Wisconsin
July 19th - We are happy to report that we have received some much needed rainfall over the course of the last two weeks. The tenth image below shows the accumulated precipitation in south central WI, which came in at about 0.2-1.5 inches. While the soybean crop got off to a rough start due to the drier conditions, most signs of stress have subsided; this is also shown in drought monitor chart below as many areas in Wisconsin are no longer registering on the Wisconsin Drought Monitor. As you can see from the forecasted precipitation image below, we can expect another 1-1.25 inches of rainfall over the course of the next week, which will continue to alleviate the crop. As for crop progress, these soybeans are charging full speed ahead!
Since my last report, the soybean crop has grown another 8-10 inches. They are measuring in anywhere from 28 to 30 inches in height; on average, soybean plants can grow anywhere from 3 to 5 feet tall. Stay tuned to see how much more growth these plants have it store. As you can see from the second soybean image below, the soybean crop has entered the R4 growth stage, which is full pod, with a three-quarter-inch pod at the third node on the main stem. On average, it usually takes 9 days for full pod to move into beginning seed, but this growth can take up to 20 days. With the moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall, we expect to see beginning seed in these plants in the next week. As shown in the fourth soybean image below, there are still 4-5 fully bloomed flowers present on the stems, which is keeping us very hopeful of the pod production these plants are capable of in the coming months. The first soybean image below shows that most soybean fields in Wisconsin are fully canopied. Also in Wisconsin, soybeans blooming was reported to be 46%, 8 days behind last year and 1 day behind the average. See the “Soybeans Blooming” chart below. Soybeans setting pods was 5%, which is 5 days behind last year and 1 week behind the average. Soybean condition was rated 76% good to excellent, which is 2 percentage points from last week.
We are happy with the continual progress the soybean crop has been making over the last two weeks. If the weather forecasts hold true going forward, we hope to see a sustained increase in overall condition for all crops in our growing area. So far, this summer has been a great season of growth for the soybean crop and we are looking forward to a successful 2022 soybean harvest!
For more information, please contact Austin DeLong at adelong@delongcompany.com
May / June 2022
U.S. Drought Map
Downloads
Scoular Crop Progress Report
May 2022 (PDF)
USSEC Soy Food Crop Update
June 2022 (PDF)
East Coast
Planting is 98%+ complete in the major production areas of the mid-Atlantic. Some areas received scattered rainfall the past couple of weeks, delaying the completion of wheat harvest. Those double-crop acres are expected to be planted in the 7/15 - 7/20 timeframe, based on upcoming weather patterns. I have not heard any plans for those acres to be abandoned, but if planting is later than 7/20, that is a possibility.
Soil conditions overall in LH June / FH July were dry in most areas. The majority of NC and many southern VA counties were abnormally dry and reaching moderate drought status as of last week.
All areas received 1.5 - 3.0" of rainfall this past weekend, which was sorely needed for both full-season (flowering) and double-crop (emergence/early vegetative stages) soybeans. The 10-day forecast calls for warm conditions with chances for 1-2" rainfall in most areas, hopefully signaling better conditions in July as compared to June.
Overall, the crop is in good condition with the recent rainfall. Weed pressure will become a focal point in the coming weeks but can be managed with timely spraying and cooperative weather conditions.
For more information, please contact Tom Taliaferro at tom@montaguefarms.com
Illinois
Over the past two weeks, the region completed soy planting and all fields have emerged. The crop has been enjoying the warm weather which has allowed it to catch up to expected growth stage. The upcoming hot and dry weather expected this week will bring light to moderate stress and rain would help. Grower activities have concentrated upon post-emergent herbicide applications for non-organic acres and mechanical weed control on organic acres. The most recent weather models for July-Aug-Sept 2022 continue to trend warm and a slight dry bias across the middle Mississippi River and Ohio River valleys. Top yield and quality will depend upon timely rainfall.
For more information, please contact Ken Dallmier at ken.dallmier@clarksongrain.com
Michigan
The Michigan soybean crop is planted and crop is growing well. Will start scouting for insects and weeds soon. Looks like an average crop at this time.
Minnesota
Planting was complete in June and weather has been good following early delays. Recently there have been several thunderstorms and rainy days with totals of 2-1/2 to 3 inches, however, there have been no reports of crop drown outs.
Parts of Minnesota have had high heat and winds, but moisture is good. The soybean crop in our area is 1-2 weeks behind due to later than normal planting but is now growing rapidly. So far there have not been any late germinating weeds to deal with, but that might still happen.
For more information, please contact Wayne Knewtson at wk@advsoy.com
Missouri
The soybean crop is 90-95% planted in Northwest Missouri. About 70% of the soybeans are in VE stage. We anticipate that the remaining 5-10% will be planted in the next week because we’ll experience warmer drier weather than we have in the last 30 days. Parts of Northwest Missouri have gotten rain about every 3 days which has hindered completion of soybean planting. The forecast is hot with temperature highs in the mid-80s to low 90s for the next week, but there is a 60% chance of rain in the next 10 days so we continue to have acceptable moisture levels that soybeans need.
For more information, please contact Adam Buckentine at adam.buckentine@theredwoodgroup.com
North Dakota
The planting season in the northern plains was delayed due to wet conditions in April and May. Much of the soybean crop was planted between June 1st and June 10th. There is prevent plant acres scattered across the region on fields that were unfortunately too wet to plant. Since planting has been completed, we have had timely rainfall and good temperatures which has allowed the plants to get off to a good start.
For more information, please contact Scott Sinner at SSinner@sb-b.com
Wisconsin
Many of the crops in the area are showing signs of stress due to drier conditions. The hot and humid weather mixed with periods of steady rainfall has caused the soybeans to grow to 20-21 inches in height. Soybeans are in the second stage of reproductive growth as there are 3-4 fully bloomed flowers on each stem. Some of these plants are already showing the very start of beginning pod (see photo, circled in red). We are still about two to three weeks away from beginning seed.
In Wisconsin, soybeans emerged was 98%, which is 11 days behind last year but 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans blooming was measured at 13%, which is 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. See the “Soybeans Blooming” chart below. Overall soybean condition was 76% good to excellent; this is down 1 point from last week.
Weather has really been playing a large role in overall condition for all crops in our growing area. We are thankful that soybeans are withstanding the hot and dry weather conditions of the past couple of weeks. We are happy with the rain we received in the past 72 hours and the relief that it brought to our 2022 soybean crop.
For more information, please contact Austin DeLong at adelong@delongcompany.com
The Wisconsin region was a little delayed compared to normal, but were still planted in timely manner. The crop is off to a great start with similar conditions to the northern plains.
For more information, please contact Scott Sinner at SSinner@sb-b.com