If weather conditions prevent April plantings, attempt to plant these early soybeans before May 10. Timely harvest is crucial with these early-maturing varieties. If weather conditions are dryer when these varieties reach maturity, this may promote shattering if harvest is delayed. There is a large range in maturities in the Group IV soybeans. Determine if an early Group IV or a late Group IV, or some acreage of both, would fit into your planned harvest schedule.
Timely planting is crucial for optimum production of all maturity groups of soybeans.
An attempt should be made to complete soybean planting as early as possible. Plantings of Maturity Groups V, VI, and VII soybeans can begin as early as May 1. Delays in planting can result in reduced yield potential for almost all varieties in all maturity groups. Timely plantings of all varieties improve the chances of optimum production. A range of maturities achieved through maturity groups and planting dates spreads the harvest season and allows more acreage to be harvested per combine.