On The Farm: Soybean Update | Video

Rene Thibault | 9/12/2012

Grain, corn and now soybeans have joined the list of successful row crops here in northern North Dakota. Soybean producers are expecting a strong 2012 harvest. North Dakota row crops are continuing their trend of successful yields.

Eric Eriksmoen, a research Agronomist with North Central Research Extension Center says that the crop has done well.

"From what I`m looking at, soybeans look pretty nice. The soy bean research we have here at the station, the variety trials look fantastic actually, and have looked nice throughout the growing season”.

Ideal temperatures and timely rains during the flowering and pod stage of plant growth have lead to a quality crop. Growing condition were ideal for the soybean crop. The summer`s higher temperatures caused the plants to mature earlier than normal. Forty-two percent of fields had lower leaves turning yellow marking the end of their growth period, compare to the 12 percent yearly average at this time.

But the resiliency of the plant has spurred its use here in North Dakota.

“Consequently we`re seeing more soy bean production, and I think that will continue to grow,” added Eriksmoen.

Typical yearly averages are 30 to 40 bushels per acre, but here in northern North Dakota they are expected to be near 50 bushels per acre. The high yield only cements the fact that the soybean crop is a reliable one here in the state.

“We`re very capable of growing soybeans in this area, I think that it`s something that if a farmer hasn`t grown soy beans in the past, that it`s a viable crop,” Eriksmoen stated.

With genetic manipulation, strong disease resistance, and the ability to withstand high temperatures, soybeans are gaining popularity throughout North Dakota, and will continue to be a common crop for farmers in this state.

Northern North Dakota`s soybean crops are expected to be harvested in early October.

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