Choosing the Right Soybean Planting Date Matters More Now

By Andi Anderson

As soybean planting season approaches, farmers are finalizing important management decisions. While seeds, fertilizers, and equipment are ready, factors like planting date, seeding rate, and seed treatment still need close attention.

Planting date has been identified as one of the most important factors for soybean yield. Experts from Michigan State University (MSU), the Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC), and other organizations have studied this in detail. Their research confirms that early planting leads to better yield outcomes.

According to data from the Science for Success team, planting soybeans too late in the season can cause significant yield losses. Results from the Boots on the Ground benchmarking project, supported by the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), show that delaying planting beyond April 25 could reduce yield potential by 2 to 3 bushels per acre each week.

Because of this, many Michigan farmers can now begin planting as early as April 20 or 25, depending on their region, and still qualify for federal crop insurance, thanks to updated guidelines from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency.

Research by MSU agronomist Manni Singh, crop consultant Missy Bauer, and the Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research program supports these findings.

Singh’s studies show smaller penalties for planting delays in early spring, but sharper drops in yield when planting is pushed into mid or late May.

Farmers are encouraged to plan ahead and use research-based strategies when selecting planting dates. Tools and data are available on the MSU Extension and Michigan Soybean Committee websites to help make better decisions this season.

With many factors affecting soybean production, choosing the right planting window remains one of the simplest ways to protect yield and get the most from every acre.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu