Early Soybean Production System Handbook

In the past, full-season (MG V-VIII) soybean varieties have been planted during May and June and harvested in October and November. Rains frequently delay harvest, and wet soils result in harvesting inefficiencies and rutting of fields, especially during November. Each year, from 1971 through 1991, only 16% of the Mississippi soybean crop had been harvested by October 10, and less than 50% of the crop had been harvested by October 30 (1, 2, 3, 4). MG IV and V varieties planted in April to early May mature and reach harvest seed moisture content between mid­-August and the end of September, resulting in earlier harvest. This early harvesting and marketing sometimes results in a higher price received. The Early Soybean Production Systems Handbook walks farmers through benefits, problems and solutions for early soybean planting.