Soybean harvest aids (1993)

Except when they have large stems, dead weeds usually cause only minor harvest problems. But unfortunately, only a hard frost will stop the growth and dry up some weeds. However, the average date of the first hard frost in most parts of Missouri is relatively late compared to the average date of soybean maturity and harvest (Figures 1 and 2). Delaying harvest until after a hard frost could result in shattering losses, further delays due to wet weather, delayed wheat planting, and delayed fall tillage. Weed problems could also be more serious in following years because of the extra time weed seeds have to reach maturity

Soybean production in Missouri (1993)

In recent years, farmers in Missouri have grown soybeans on more than five million acres. Soybeans were the most economically successful crop for Missouri farmers in the 1970s and early 1980s. Although weather conditions in Missouri can greatly affect the productivity and economics of soybean production, many production practices can be managed to produce more favorable yields and better economical returns. This guide provides a brief overview of recommended production practices for soybeans in Missouri

Soybean variety selection (1993)

One of the most perplexing production decisions a farmer faces is, 'What variety should I plant?' Information on soybean varieties is received from mass media advertising, friends or relatives, seed dealers, University and extension variety trials, and perhaps from your own strip trials. New varieties from public and private organizations are abundant. Yields are increasing about one-third of a bushel per acre per year due to genetic improvement. While some new varieties show this response, other new varieties may not yield better than those now used. Given all this information and the new influx of varieties, how do you choose the best variety to grow? No one has yet developed a simple answer to this question, but it is the intent of this publication to present guidelines for choosing a variety for a given set of conditions

Drilled soybeans in Missouri (1993)

Drilled (solid) seeding of soybeans is a continually growing practice in Missouri. More than 1 million acres were drilled in 1986, compared to just 300,000 acres in 1979. Solid seeding was predominant when soybeans first became popular in Missouri and the crop was used primarily for hay. At that time, some weed growth in the hay crop was tolerable. As emphasis shifted to production for beans, producers shifted to row culture to permit cultivation for weed control. Improvements in soybean chemical weed control materials now allow adequate control of most weeds in solid-seeded stands. Because they can control weeds, farmers are returning to solid seeding to increase yields. Several long-term research projects (some sponsored by your soybean checkoff dollars) have allowed us to evaluate the yield potential and economics of solid-seeded soybeans throughout Missouri. The following discussion reports some of the important findings of those studies and recommended production practices

Analyzing cropping systems (1983)

In tight financial times, businesses often try to reduce spending and improve their profits. Many farmers are currently operating their businesses under such conditions. Wise management decisions can improve profits in farming while reducing cash flow needs

Irrigating soybeans (1993)

Missouri's growing season is characterized by excessive moisture in the spring followed by inadequate moisture during the middle of the growing season. Because of the lack of moisture during the crops' peak demand, some producers have invested in irrigation systems. The cost of maintaining and using these systems is high, so it is imperative to manage moisture in the most efficient way possible. The following discussion should help Missouri soybean producers understand the crop's need, the soil's ability to hold and supply water, and the agronomic practices that can result in maximum economic yields under irrigation