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Soybean planter adjustments might be necessary

An agronomist says many soybean seeds are larger this year and growers might have to make planter adjustments.

Bayer agronomist Nick Weidenbenner tells Brownfield, “Many of these planters have disks or other things that need to be appropriately sized to the soybeans and without the proper planter setting, and if you have larger seed soybeans, you may be increasing the number of skips when planting.”

Weidenbenner covers Illinois and Wisconsin and says soybeans had greater seed fill because of outstanding late-season growing conditions.

He says there are several trials showing maximum yield between 120 and 160-thousand seeds per acre.

Weidenbenner says some farmers are planting now in Illinois.  He advises against starting too soon in the cooler north, but says farmers shouldn’t wait too long.  “Really, after May 1st, your yield potential has already started to drop about a third of a bushel per day.”

Weidenbenner says as always, growers should try to get planting done shortly ahead of rain when possible.