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Minnesota farmers see bushels disappear as soybeans dry in the field

Two Minnesota farmers fear yield is being lost as soybeans dry rapidly in the field. 

Harmon Wilts farms in the west-central part of the state and says warm and windy conditions have dropped moisture levels into the single digits.

“These beans are dry, they’re ready to come out of the field. And we’re losing a little bit of yield based on those moistures being so low, but I don’t see another path forward other than keeping the combine rolling.”

In southwest Minnesota, Bob Worth tells Brownfield soybeans are down to 8 percent moisture.

“And we lose a fair amount of bushels with that just because they lose a lot of weight and everything.”

The Lincoln County farmer says he tried harvesting soybeans early this Tuesday morning.

“And there was no change overnight, I mean there was no dew, there was no nothing. And the wind blew all night for us.”

Wilts, who farms in Swift County, estimates a two and-a-half bushel difference from 9 to 13 percent moisture.

Harmon Wilts interview:

Bob Worth interview: