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Adding soybeans: geographic factors

Matt Roberts speaks to farmers at the CTTC Conference in Ohio

An ag economist says geographical differences may determine if planting more soybean acres this year makes sense. Matt Roberts with the Kern Mantle Group says farmers in the central and Eastern Corn Belts are less likely to plant more soybean acres this year.

“The so-called ‘I’ states, so that’s Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, typically their soils have very high organic matter. They’re very favorable to growing corn vs beans. Generally, those farmers are not looking to switch,” says Roberts.

He tells Brownfield for farmers in other parts of the country, a switch to soybeans makes more sense.

“Areas that don’t have as much organic matter, so that’s Ohio, the Dakota’s, southern Illinois. In these areas, the relative yields and relative profitability favor beans. And that’s where we’re really going to see the acreage shift,” says Roberts.

Roberts says soybean prices could weaken by mid to late April if farmers finish planting early and have a longer growing season.  Which he says could result in higher yields.

Brownfield spoke with Roberts at the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in Ohio

Audio: Matt Roberts, Ag Economist, Kern Mantle Group

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