News

Green stems slowing down soybean harvest for some

A central Illinois farmer says green stems are causing challenges in the soybean harvest.

David Mool, who grows corn, soybeans, and cattle in McLean County, says the beans are ready, but the plants are not.

“The beans are dry.”  He says, “The stems are gonna cut a little hard, but I think we’ll just kind of keep working on them. That’s the general consensus as you talk to guys in our area.”

Rachel Vann, N.C. State University Extension soybean specialist, tells Brownfield it’s widespread this year. 

“There’s something that’s happened during pod and seed fill that has caused stress to the plant.”  She says, “There’s too much plant energy in the stem and not enough pod or seed for that energy to sync into, and the stems remain green.”

Mool also says…

“You know, maybe we contribute to that a little bit with our fungicide applications trying to keep that plant healthy,” he says.

He says above average yields and tougher cutting have most farmers in his area prioritizing soybean harvest.

AUDIO: David Mool – Illinois farmer

AUDIO: Rachel Vann – NC State University Extension