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The big push started yesterday for the local soybean harvest, with machinery, trucks and wagons kicking up dust in nearly every part of the county. Jerry and Brad Schneekloth joined the game in their fields west of Luverne where this photo was taken Tuesday evening.
With the late planting and wet growing season, yields were predicted at roughly 20 percent down from average years (Rock County soybeans typically yield 60- to 65 bushels per acre), and so far that’s what’s coming in to local elevators, according to Dan Boltjes, sales agronomist with CHS Magnolia.
He said he's seeing 45- to 50-bushel averages, with yield monitors swinging widely from 30 to 55 bushels per acre in a single field. Soybeans are coming in with 13- to 14-percent moisture, which Boltjes said is just right. “It’s time to get them out.”
He said the first load or two appeared Monday night, but by Tuesday afternoon harvest was in full swing. Many farmers are hoping to make a big dent in local fields before Thursday when a forecasted rain-snow mix is due to move through the area.