MU agronomists are concerned the dry August weather may result in a lower than average yield of soybean crops this year.
MU Extension Agronomy Specialist Max Glover says this year has been historically different because mid-Missouri counties received unusually high amounts of rainfall from May through the end of July.
Glover says the rain began before many farmers could plant their soybeans in May.
“In Audrain County, in many counties there are a lot of unplanted fields,” Glover said.
Hey says Audrain County was much drier than other counties in mid-Missouri this August.
Glover also says the soybeans that were planted developed shallow root systems, and those plants typically don’t respond well to drought similar to the one which occurred in August.
“We’re very concerned about the yield, and we can certainly come up with some more ideal weather conditions for the farmers, that’s for sure,” Glover said. “It’s been a very unique and challenging year for corn and soybean growers.”
However, Christine Tew, spokeswoman for the Missouri Soybean and Merchandising Council, says she thinks farmers who did get to plant their soybeans in time will have a harvest to look forward to.
“This year we can expect to see those yields be lower,” Tew said. “But I think that Missouri soybean farmers are outstanding stewards of the land and they are very, very invested in their crops,” Tew said.
She says she expects to still see above average numbers when compared to other states.
