Soybean producers often wait to begin harvesting until every leaf has dropped and the moisture level of the beans in the field has dropped to, or below 13 percent. While these first fields may be harvested at the optimum conditions and moisture level at
These calculations don’t factor in any of the other risks associated with delaying soybean
Ideal weather and soil conditions don’t last forever. This is another strong argument for taking off some of your soybean fields at 15 percent moisture as long as the weather and soil conditions are conducive. Every acre harvested under good weather and soil conditions
Wheat producers should be especially motivated to harvest soybeans early as wheat yields have been shown to decrease by 1.1 bushels per acre for each day planting is delayed after Oct. 1. The higher wheat yields realized from early planting will more than compensate for the small level of lost income realized by harvesting soybeans at 15 percent moisture.
Consider harvesting some of your soybean fields at 15 percent moisture as a way to reduce risk and improve farm income.
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