News

Agronomist says dry weather has caused a hit to soybean yields

An agronomist says dry weather has taken the top end of soybean yields in part of the state.

Matt Schwab with Helena tells Brownfield rain showers have been really spotty.  “Some areas may be sitting pretty well,” he says.  “But in Northern Bay County and the surrounding areas, we’re pretty dry and have definitely lost our optimum yield potential.”

He says disease pressure has been much of an issue in his area this year.  However, pest pressure is a different story as there has been more pressure from grasshoppers.  “Especially along field borders where there are some grassy areas and grassy ditches,” he says.  “Grasshoppers are causing some defoliation and during the pod-fill stage, one way to gauge whether or not we need to spray is based on the defoliation percentage of the plant leaves.”

Schwab says if defoliation is above 15 to 20 percent during pod-fill, farmers should consider an insecticide application.

Schwab covers Bay County and the surrounding areas. 

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!