Aug 31, 2022

2022 U.S. Soybean Yield Unchanged at 50.5 bu/ac

Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.

The 2022 U.S. soybean yield was left unchanged this week at 50.5 bu/ac and I have a neutral to potentially higher bias going forward. If additional rains are received in some of the dryer areas, the soybean yield could move higher.

A common comment on recent crop tours was that the soybeans had a good potential, but they needed one or two more good rains to maintain that potential. The rain received in Iowa over the weekend was very beneficial specially areas that received the heavier amounts. Soybeans that received an inch of rain or more over the weekend probably now have enough moisture to finish the season on a strong note. Soybeans that missed the rain over the weekend still need more to achieve their yield potential.

The eastern Corn Belt was generally dry last week, but the forecast is calling for rain in the eastern Corn Belt early this week with dryer weather later in the week. The far western Corn Belt remains mostly dry except for central South Dakota. Therefore, the soybean yield was left unchanged this week while we wait to see of the dryer soybeans receive the needed moisture.

Additionally, recent wet weather in the Delta and the mid-south came at an inopportune time as farmers were trying to harvest some of their early soybeans. There are reports out of Arkansas and Louisiana of moldy soybeans and seeds sprouting in the pods due to the constant wet conditions.

The condition of the 2022 U.S. soybean crop was unchanged last week at 57% rated good/excellent. The soybeans are 91% setting pods compared to 92% last year and 92% average. The soybeans are 4% dropping leaves compared to 8% last year and 7% average.