The two primary requirements for soybean seed germination are temperatures above 50 F and seed moisture percentages greater than 50%.

Harvesting soybeans at a moisture content between 13% and 15% helps maximize weight while minimizing harvest losses. This harvest, however, soybean moisture levels of 16% to 18 % or more have been reported.

Some places have received significant rainfall over the summer and the last week, causing soil moisture to be high in some areas. Soil moisture content can lead to the threat for soil compaction.

There have been many articles published about the dilemma facing growers in the Great Plains when it comes to irrigation. The challenge growers and decision makers face in preserving aquifers for agricultural use, without allowing them to be drained to unsustainable levels, is daunting. 

Accurate moisture content measurement can help prevent spoiled grain in storage settings and help avoid discounts at the elevator if it’s sold too wet or dry.

Due to the cool and wet conditions, soybeans harvested late at this time will need to be dried either on the farm or at the elevator. Some elevators will accept soybeans up to 20 percent moisture while others will reject loads that are above 16 percent moisture. Contact your elevator prior to delivery.

Leaving corn to dry in the field exposes a crop to unfavorable weather conditions, as well as wildlife damage.

Use your yield monitor to mark locations for more than just rocks and evaluate crop performance.