When it comes to soybeans, take it easy on the tillage

Feb 09, 2015

A research center in North Dakota conducted more than a decade of trials

In certain industries, there are buzz words that when said, can get the attention of anyone within an earshot.

In the financial sector, terms like “credit crunch” can give an adrenaline rush while when it comes to social media, words like “viral” get everyone’s attention.

In farming and agriculture – it’s yield.

Farmers want to know where to get it and how to get it.

When it comes to soybeans, researchers at North Dakota’s Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) may have a solution – reduced tillage.

After 12 years of trials, Greg Endres, agronomist at the CREC, says it’s because the less tillage that occurs, there’s more water for the soybeans to absorb.

“There could be an inch or more of water available in the system in the soil that would help us,” he said in an interview with Farm & Ranch Guide.

Research and data compiled by Endres suggests no till soybeans can produce an average of 2.1 bu/acre more than when regular tillage is practiced.

Speaking of soybean yields…

The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) said soybeans enjoyed a record crop in 2014. Farmers planted 6.8 million more acres of soybeans than in 2013.

The increased planting, paired with an astounding yield of 47.8 bu/acres, 2014 soybeans narrowly missed the four billion bushel mark.

To find out what 2015 has in store for soybeans and other crops, be sure to tune into Farms.com’s USDA WASDE webinar Tuesday, February 10, at 11:30am EST.

Farms.com’s Risk Management team lead by Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino will provide in depth coverage and analysis of the report and answer the questions farmers have about how to move forward with their crops.

Soybeans

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.