As soybean planting ramps up across the country, agronomists have some things farmers should consider before heading to the field.
“Soybeans have the ability to – if there’s less plants per acre – they can branch out. But also, when you start branching out too much . . . (depending on other factors) you might not have as many pods per branch; you kind of have to give and take. Soybeans are indeterminate so they have the ability to (if there’s more space) continue growing. If growing conditions are correct – they’ve got the right day length, and we’ve still got good growing degree units – they can keep growing in their vegetative stage. But once we hit a certain day length they’re going to switch over to reproductive [stage]: more branches, potentially more pods,” said Tina Sullivan.
If your meteorologist is forecasting either a wetter or drier growing season, agronomist Logan Simon says that is something growers should take into consideration.
“There’s always that trade-off where we’re trying to balance maximizing the potential of that crop out there with also being on the conservative side, knowing that if we have more plants out there and they’re spaced more closely together, we’ve got greater competition, or potential for competition, with water.”
China’s stricter inspection rules prompt Cargill to pause soybean exports from Brazil, briefly lifting U.S. soybean prices as traders anticipate potential shifts in global trade, as export demand remains supportive across all major U.S. commodities.
March 13, 2026 12:57 PM
·
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
March 12, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
March 12, 2026 03:31 PM
·
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
March 12, 2026 12:54 PM
·
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
March 11, 2026 04:04 PM
·
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
·
