South Dakota gears up for soybean harvest season

By Scout Nelson

Fall is starting to show in South Dakota, with trees changing colors and cool mornings telling us the soybean harvest season is near. A strategic move was made last week, with some wheat planting initiated. This action was taken to ease the anticipated pressure during soybean harvesting.

Interestingly, the wheat was planted in primarily dry soil. The decision to plant was bound to rain forecasts, which eventually proved to be a blessing as the region received between 3 to 4.5 inches of rainfall on a majority of its farming acres. This downpour was timely and invaluable, given the parched nature of the ground that absorbed the rain seamlessly.

As the harvest season looms closer, preparations are in full swing. Observations indicate that soybean yields may differ based on planting times. Early planted soybeans might yield less and be smaller in size. There have been talks about certain harvested beans resembling the size of BBs, a phenomenon evident even in local fields, attributed to the lack of rain during critical growth phases.

The silver lining lies in the fact that the soybeans planted later appear more promising. The timely rains have not only aided the upcoming harvest but also ensured that the winter wheat crop gets a robust start.

In parallel with these agricultural activities, Office projects are progressing at a slower pace than anticipated, with operational offices expected by the end of October. South Dakota is ready to participate in the annual harvest ritual, emphasizing the importance of safety during these busy times.
 

Photo Credit: istock-ds70