Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension, scouted fields near Arcola in Dade County and fields near I-49 and Hwy. 126 and I-49 and Hwy 160 in Barton County on Oct. 7.
Soybean Report
Scheidt observed soybeans in the seed development to full seed stage with some leaves changing color and dropping. Podworm pressure should decrease with cooler temperatures. “Podworms and other pod feeding insects do not prefer to feed on seeds as they mature into the full seed stage,” said Scheidt.
Over 30 years of weather data for University of Missouri suggests the median probability date for a killing freeze begins November 7. “Soybean yield is protected from frost if the plants have reached physiological maturity. If a killing frost occurs before maturity, seeds are not likely to change color”, said Scheidt.
According to Mississippi State University, late Group 4 soybeans planted in early July took about 60 days to get from beginning bloom to maturity and mid Group 5 soybeans took about 63 days to get to maturity.
“If late planted soybeans are at a high risk for freeze, consider baling,” said Scheidt. Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri state forage specialist, recommends harvesting soybean hay or silage when 50 percent of pods have immature beans. “Soybean hay quality can vary, but typically has 16-19% crude protein and 50-55% total digestible nutrients,” said Kallenbach.
