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Soybean discoloration reported in southwest Iowa as harvest delays continue

Southwest Iowa farmer Pat Sheldon says some soybeans are showing discoloration as harvest gets underway, but the damage appears limited to seed coats.

“It hasn’t impacted the quality of the seed as of yet,” he says. “It just needs to quit raining until we get it all picked.”

Schaaf says the discoloration hasn’t resulted in dockage at his local grain elevator or processor.

“I’ve cut some seeds open and they’re fine on the inside. The seed coat discoloration is more of a light brown, which is closer to the color of the crush anyway. If you get into the purple stuff, it might become an issue.”

Sheldon says soybean basis has remained strong as harvest delays tighten supplies with some processors bidding as much as $1 above board price to secure beans.