When to Harvest Soybeans: A Guide for Farmers

When Do They Harvest Soybeans?

Soybeans are a staple crop in many parts of the world, and they are grown for a variety of purposes. They can be used to make soymilk, tofu, soy sauce, and other products. Soybeans are also a good source of protein and fiber, and they are relatively easy to grow.

The harvesting of soybeans is a critical part of the production process. The timing of the harvest is important, as it can affect the quality of the beans. Soybeans are typically harvested in the fall, when the pods are dry and the beans are fully developed. The harvest is usually done by machine, and the beans are then dried and stored.

In this article, we will discuss the different factors that affect the timing of the soybean harvest. We will also provide information on how to harvest soybeans by hand.

Key Takeaways

• Soybeans are a staple crop in many parts of the world, and they are grown for a variety of purposes.
• The harvesting of soybeans is a critical part of the production process.
• The timing of the harvest is important, as it can affect the quality of the beans.
• Soybeans are typically harvested in the fall, when the pods are dry and the beans are fully developed.
• The harvest is usually done by machine, and the beans are then dried and stored.

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Location	Harvest Month	Harvest Day
Northeast	September	15
Midwest	October	1
South	October	15
West	November	1

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Soybean Varieties and Maturity Groups

Soybeans are classified into maturity groups based on their days to maturity. The maturity group of a soybean variety is determined by the number of days from planting to the beginning of pod set. Soybean varieties are typically grouped into one of six maturity groups, ranging from Group 0 (the earliest maturing) to Group 6 (the latest maturing).

The maturity group of a soybean variety is important because it determines the length of the growing season required for the variety to reach maturity. Soybean varieties with shorter maturity groups are better suited for regions with shorter growing seasons, while soybean varieties with longer maturity groups are better suited for regions with longer growing seasons.

In addition to maturity group, soybean varieties are also classified by their growth habit. Soybean varieties are typically either upright or semi-erect. Upright soybean varieties have a strong central stem and branches that grow upward, while semi-erect soybean varieties have a weaker central stem and branches that grow more horizontally.

The growth habit of a soybean variety is important because it affects the yield potential of the variety. Upright soybean varieties typically have higher yield potential than semi-erect soybean varieties, but they are also more susceptible to lodging (falling over) in wet weather.

When choosing a soybean variety for your farm, it is important to consider the maturity group and growth habit of the variety in relation to your climate and growing conditions.

Harvest Timing by Maturity Group

The optimal time to harvest soybeans depends on the maturity group of the variety. Soybeans are typically harvested when the pods are dry and the beans are fully mature. The moisture content of the beans should be between 12% and 14% when they are harvested.

Soybeans that are harvested too early will have a low yield and a low protein content. Soybeans that are harvested too late will have a high moisture content and will be more difficult to dry.

The table below shows the recommended harvest dates for soybeans by maturity group.

| Maturity Group | Recommended Harvest Date |
|—|—|
| Group 0 | Late July to early August |
| Group 1 | Early August to mid-August |
| Group 2 | Mid-August to late August |
| Group 3 | Late August to early September |
| Group 4 | Early September to mid-September |
| Group 5 | Mid-September to late September |
| Group 6 | Late September to early October |

It is important to note that these are just general recommendations. The optimal harvest date for soybeans will vary depending on the specific variety, the growing conditions, and the weather.

To determine the best time to harvest your soybeans, you should monitor the maturity of the beans and the weather forecast. When the beans are mature and the weather is dry, you can begin harvesting your soybeans.

Harvest soybeans by combining them with a combine harvester. The combine will thresh the soybeans, separate the beans from the pods, and clean the beans. The beans can then be stored in a grain bin or sold to a grain elevator.

Harvesting soybeans is a critical step in the soybean production process. By following the recommendations in this article, you can ensure that you harvest your soybeans at the optimal time and maximize your yield.

Harvest Conditions

The ideal conditions for harvesting soybeans are when the beans are dry and mature. The beans should be at least 16% moisture content and the pods should be yellow or brown. The soybeans should also be free of weeds and other debris.

The best time to harvest soybeans is in the fall, when the weather is cool and dry. The soybeans should be harvested before the first frost, as frost can damage the beans and make them difficult to harvest.

Harvesting soybeans is a labor-intensive process. The soybeans are typically harvested by combine harvesters, which are large machines that cut the soybeans off the plants and thresh them. The threshed soybeans are then collected in a trailer or truck.

Harvest Methods

There are two main methods for harvesting soybeans: direct harvest and dry-down harvest.

Direct harvest is the most common method of harvesting soybeans. In direct harvest, the soybeans are harvested when they are still green and immature. The soybeans are then dried in a dryer before they are sold.

Dry-down harvest is a less common method of harvesting soybeans. In dry-down harvest, the soybeans are allowed to dry on the plants before they are harvested. The soybeans are then harvested when they are dry and mature.

The method of harvesting soybeans that is used depends on the climate and the time of year. In warm climates, soybeans are typically harvested using the direct harvest method. In cooler climates, soybeans are typically harvested using the dry-down harvest method.

Harvesting soybeans is a critical step in the production of soybeans. The soybeans are harvested when they are dry and mature, and the beans are then processed into a variety of products, including soymilk, tofu, and soybean oil.

When do they harvest soybeans?

Soybeans are harvested in the fall, typically from September to November. The exact timing of harvest depends on the variety of soybean and the growing conditions. Soybeans are ready to harvest when the pods are dry and the beans are fully developed. The beans should be yellow or tan in color, and the pods should be brown and brittle.

How do you know when soybeans are ready to harvest?

There are a few ways to tell when soybeans are ready to harvest.

• The pods are dry and the beans are fully developed. The pods should be brown and brittle, and the beans should be yellow or tan in color.
• The leaves have turned yellow and fallen off. This is a sign that the plant is starting to die back, which is a natural process that occurs as the plant matures.
• The soybean plants are about 3 feet tall. This is the average height of a soybean plant at maturity.

What equipment do you need to harvest soybeans?

You will need a combine harvester to harvest soybeans. A combine harvester is a machine that combines the steps of reaping, threshing, and winnowing into one operation. This allows you to harvest soybeans quickly and efficiently.

How do you harvest soybeans with a combine harvester?

To harvest soybeans with a combine harvester, you will first need to adjust the settings on the machine to match the type of soybeans you are harvesting. Once the settings are correct, you can start harvesting.

• Drive the combine harvester through the field of soybeans. The combine harvester will cut the soybeans off the plants and thresh them, separating the beans from the pods.
• The beans will be collected in a hopper on the combine harvester. You will need to empty the hopper regularly to prevent it from overflowing.
• Once you have harvested all of the soybeans in the field, you will need to transport them to a storage facility. You can do this by using a truck or trailer.

How much does it cost to harvest soybeans?

The cost of harvesting soybeans depends on a number of factors, including the size of the field, the type of soybeans you are harvesting, and the cost of fuel and labor. The average cost of harvesting soybeans is around $100 per acre.

What are the benefits of harvesting soybeans?

There are a number of benefits to harvesting soybeans, including:

• Soybeans are a valuable crop that can be used to produce a variety of products, including food, feed, and fuel.
• Soybeans are a good source of protein and other nutrients. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Soybeans can help to improve soil quality and reduce erosion. They are a nitrogen-fixing crop, which means that they can help to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. This can benefit other crops that are grown in the same field.

What are the challenges of harvesting soybeans?

There are a few challenges associated with harvesting soybeans, including:

• Soybeans are a perishable crop that needs to be harvested quickly and efficiently. If soybeans are not harvested in a timely manner, they can lose their quality and value.
• Soybeans can be damaged by weather conditions, such as drought, flooding, and pests. These conditions can make it difficult to harvest soybeans and can reduce the yield.
• Soybeans can be a hazardous crop to harvest. The combine harvesters used to harvest soybeans can be dangerous if they are not operated properly. There is also the risk of exposure to dust and other allergens when harvesting soybeans.

the best time to harvest soybeans depends on a number of factors, including the variety of soybean, the climate, and the desired maturity stage. In general, soybeans are harvested when the pods are dry and the beans are hard. The ideal maturity stage for soybeans is determined by the intended use of the beans. For example, soybeans that will be used for human consumption are typically harvested when the beans are fully mature, while soybeans that will be used for animal feed are often harvested when the beans are slightly immature.

Harvesting soybeans is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the factors that affect the best time to harvest soybeans, farmers can ensure that they are harvesting their crop at the optimal maturity stage for their desired use.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The best time to harvest soybeans depends on a number of factors, including the variety of soybean, the climate, and the desired maturity stage.
• In general, soybeans are harvested when the pods are dry and the beans are hard.
• The ideal maturity stage for soybeans is determined by the intended use of the beans.
• Harvesting soybeans is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.