September 5, 2023

Heat, drought imposing potential pressure on soybean yields in US Midwest

Prolonged drought and record heat are threatening soybean yields in several key growing US states across the United States' Midwest, Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network reported.

With most soybean crops still in the critical pod-setting phase that depends on August moisture, persistent dry conditions are lowering yield production and raising concerns about the availability of supplies.

CoBank's Knowledge Exchange conducted research that found soybeans have a much tighter supply situation than corn due to the loss of planted acres.

"If hot and dry conditions continue in the Midwest and yield loss for soybeans increases, the US soybean supply will tighten further," said Tanner Ehmke, lead grains and oilseeds economist for CoBank. "That will result in stronger interior cash basis and lower exports."

More pods will likely get aborted if the hot and dry conditions continue.

In addition to drought and heat stress, scouts on the recent Pro Farmer Crop Tour noticed sudden death syndrome across multiple soybean fields.

- Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network