Planting Soybeans Early

Early planted soybeans have been getting some press in the last few years and probably with good reason.  We all know the research on corn planting dates points to better yields on early planted corn.  Michigan researchers have had similar results with early planted soybeans.  When I was young, someone asked my Dad when was the proper time to plant corn.  He said when the soil is ready.  That is generally true, except maybe in 2012 when corn planted before the last week of March was disappointing.  Fortunately that was probably a once ina lifetime experience.  In general, we plant corn first and for good reason.  It stands up to frost better than soybeans. 

My only cautions about early planted soybeans would be:

• Treat seed
• Don't plant in excessivley wet soils
• Look at the weather forecast to see if soils are likely to warm above 60 degrees to help with germination.