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Arkansas farmer says earlier planted beans look better

A northeast Arkansas farmer says crop conditions vary and it largely depends on the planting date.

Derek Haigwood tells Brownfield the early soybeans that were planted in March this year and the ones at the 1st of April look outstanding.  “I’m really impressed,” he says. “The ones that are getting up right now, we had kind of a cool spell and they’re just kind of dragging their feet. I don’t think we’re going to have any yield lag on them, though.”

He says it’s been far from a perfect spring.  “But, we’ve gotten more rain here in April and May than we did last year,” he says.  “It was nice to plant a rice field, put the chemical out, and then get it activated. And then get our residual chemical in the beans activated. I’d much rather have it like it’s been.”

Haigwood says he continues to monitor the markets. “I wish we’d get some prices rallying here,” He says.  “And lock in some contracts for the futures. You really don’t want to sell beans under $12.00, or I don’t want to. The way I figure, I’d really like to see that cotton up there closer to $0.90.”

Haigwood has been in an ongoing battle with the weather to get the last of his crops planted this year.

The USDA will update planting progress and conditions on Tuesday.