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.”
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
