Indiana's soybean crop has weathered a recent heatwave and stands at an impressive 70% in the good-to-excellent category, as reported in Monday's USDA Crop Progress Report. However, the road ahead is critical for these soybeans.
Shaun Casteel, the soybean expert at Purdue Extension, emphasized the significance of the upcoming period, stating, "These next 20 days are going to make or break that crop."
Casteel highlighted the remarkable potential during this high seed fill window, where soybeans can add between 3 to 4.5 bushels per acre each day. The exact yield within this range depends on factors such as soil moisture, pod load, and management practices. Factors like disease control and nitrogen supply in the leaves can significantly impact the crop's final yield. When soybeans start senescing, the opportunity for maximum yield diminishes.
Initial USDA estimates in early August projected the Indiana soybean crop at a record-tying 60 bushels per acre. However, Casteel believes this estimate may need a slight adjustment due to unforeseen factors like white mold, nitrogen supply issues, and dry regions. He suggests a revised estimate of around 59.5 bushels per acre, despite the crop's current 70% good-to-excellent rating.
For more insights and discussions on crop progress, you can tune in to the Purdue Crop Chat podcast featuring Shaun Casteel and his colleague Dan Quinn, available on various podcast platforms.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Soybeans