Louisiana Soybean Crop Progress & Condition Week Of July 13

By David Mosely, Ph.D.

LSU AgCenter Soybean Specialist

The condition of the 2020 Louisiana soybean crop continues to improve as it begins to mature and dry down. As of July 12, 2020, 91% of the crop had begun blooming with 68% setting pods. In addition, 1% of the crop had reached the R7 reproductive growth stage where at least one pod has turned to its mature color. State-wide, the condition of the soybean crop improved with 89% of the crop rated as good – excellent . On July 14, I was talking to producers in St. Mary Parish who said they expect to harvest soybean fields in approximately 15-20 days. In contrast, most of the soybean plants throughout the state have not yet reached physiological maturity. There will be an article in the July edition of the LA Crops Newsletter discussing the need to maintain enough soil moisture until physiological maturity (R6.5 reproductive growth stage), where the pod membrane has separated from the seed.

89% of the Louisiana soybean crop was rated good – excellent as of July 12, 2020.

Dean Lee Research Center Virtual Field Day

On July 20, 2020, the Dean Lee Research Center (Figure 4) will host a virtual field day and will be available at https://bit.ly/DeanLeeYouTube. The virtual field day will cover areas including field crops, beef cattle, and horticulture. Field crop research and demonstration topics will include digital ag, pest management, and crop growth and development. The soybean agronomy topics will include planting date and population research trials. Additional information on the virtual field day can be found at  2020 Dean Lee Research Center Virtual Field Day.