2022 U.S. Soybean Yield Trimmed Due to Late Season Dryness

Dryer-than-normal weather during the month of September is not a good way to end the soybean growing season in the U.S. A quick end to the grain filling period can result in less than optimum seed size and lighter-than-normal seed weight. This is particularly the case for the last pods set at the top of the plant. If there is an extended filling period, the last pods can have normal size seed. In contrast, if the filling period is shortened, the last pods can have fewer seeds and lighter seeds.

As of earlier this week, the 2022 U.S. soybeans were 42% dropping leaves which means they are approximately 60% turning yellow, so most of the soybeans will not benefit from any additional rainfall. Recent rains probably did help the double crop soybeans and some of the later maturing soybeans in the eastern Corn Belt.

The 2022 U.S. soybean yield was lowered 0.5 bu/ac this week to 50.0 bu/ac due to the dryer-than-normal weather over the last several weeks especially in the western Corn Belt.

The 2022 U.S. soybean condition declined 1% last week to 55% rated good/excellent. The soybeans are 42% dropping leaves compared to 55% last year and 47% average and the soybeans are 3% harvested compared to 5% last year and 5% average.

Tags: condition, weather, soybean, yield, U.S., rains