Soybean Progress and Weed Control Insights for Farmers

By Scout Nelson

The June 10, 2026, episode of Strategic Farming Field Notes focused on soybean growth, weed management, and rainfall variability. Experts Dr. Seth Naeve, Dr. Debalin Sarangi, and moderator Dave Nicolai discussed key challenges faced by farmers during the early growing season.

Rainfall has been uneven across regions. Some areas have received heavy rainfall, while others remain dry. According to experts, dry spring conditions can help farmers plant crops on time, but timely rainfall is still required for good crop growth.

One of the most important concerns is planting delay. Yield potential is high when soybeans are planted early. By the end of May, about 87 percent of yield potential remains. However, by July 1, this drops to nearly half. This means farmers lose yield quickly with delays, making replanting decisions difficult.

Plant population and field gaps also play a role. Large gaps in fields can lead to more weed growth. Farmers can consider planting earlier maturity soybean varieties to improve plant stands, but they must avoid damaging existing crops. Replanting small, damaged areas can still improve overall field yield.

Iron deficiency chlorosis has been reported in some regions, especially in western areas. While farmers cannot do much during the season, future management planning is important.

Weed control is another major focus. Dry conditions may reduce early weed growth, but weeds like waterhemp can grow quickly after rainfall. Experts recommend using both preemergence and postemergence herbicides for better results. Layering residual herbicides helps control weeds until crops grow strong.

Herbicides work best when weeds are small, usually under four inches tall. Late spraying reduces effectiveness and increases resistance risk. Farmers should act early and use proper herbicide combinations.

Application deadlines for chemicals like dicamba must also be followed carefully. Farmers should always check product labels for guidelines and timing.

Farmers are invited to join the upcoming session on June 24, 2026, with Dr. Bob Koch and Matt Pfarr, where crop conditions and soybean pests will be discussed. The sessions are held every Wednesday from 8:00 to 8:30 am through August 12 by the University of Minnesota. 

For registration and past recordings, visit: z.umn.edu/strategic-farming

Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko