Despite weeks of hot, dry weather, soybean yield potential remains intact if August brings timely rainfall. WinField United Crop Protection Sales Agronomist John Zuk said pods are holding together well in central North Dakota. “I’ve checked for flower abortion and pod abortion, and the beans seem to be retaining those fairly well,” Zuk said. “Bean yield is made in August. If we get the rain, we know we’re going to get the yield, but we have to set those plants up so they can put on weight when the moisture comes.” Zuk also urged farmers to protect soybean leaf area from insects. “Those trifoliates are the solar panels for the plant,” he said. “The healthier we can keep those leaves, the better opportunity we have to capture that late-season yield boost.”
