Cool Bean: Consider planting earlier

Research across the Midwest has shown that early-planted soybean have greater yield potential compared to those planted later. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency in 2023 worked with Science for Success Soybean Specialists across the country and shifted the earliest soybean-planting date in states where data was available.

In Wisconsin the date was shifted from April 26 to April 15 in central and southern regions, and to April 20 in the northern part of the state. Consequently within the seven to 11 additional days covered by the Risk Management Agency, some may be suitable for planting if weather permits. The change could allow for planting more acres earlier in the season, thus taking advantage of the yield-increasing effect of early planting.

In Wisconsin we were curious about the potential value the shift could provide to our farmers. Using the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service’s data from 2023 on acres planted and total production, we estimated the additional soybean bushels that could be produced by utilizing the extra days suitable for fieldwork – days covered by the new dates. Across the state there were, on average, two additional working days in 2023 – ranging from zero to four depending on the region.