Mother Nature brought a cold, wet spring, which delayed planting across much of the country. Postponed soybean planting can affect branching and podding later in the growing season, thanks to slow vegetative development. Lack of moisture towards the middle of the growing season coupled with prior environmental challenges caused pressure in pod formation during the R3 stage, additionally causing yield concerns come harvest time.  

AgriGold Varieties Overcame Challenges

Despite the environmental challenges growers faced, soybean harvest is well underway in the Great Plains region—and showing no negative impact on yields. Lack of rain from July to October allowed soybean harvest to start early and move quicker.

AgriGold varieties showed resilience through much of the challenges. Despite parts of the region staying moist for most of the spring, diseases did not play a major factor across AgriGold varieties, and growers were able to maintain high yields. Depending on which acres saw timely rains towards the end of the growing season, yields (in bushels/acre) ranged from the mid 50s to high 80s. 

2023 Recommendations

When considering what soybean varieties to plant in 2023, look to AgriGold for top-of-the-line genetics. Take into consideration your field history and any non-weather challenges you faced in 2022. For Great Plains fields with fewer stress effects, look to the broad-range, high-producing varieties G1601E3 and G1902XF. For more high-stress environments, including those prone to drought, consider adopting G1209E3. 

Get in touch with your local AgriGold agronomy expert if you have questions about which soybean varieties will work best for your specific acres.