In Soybeans by Steve Butzen, Agronomy Information Specialist Minimizing soybean harvest losses can mean substantially higher yields and profits. Since soybeans dry very quickly, close monitoring of grain moisture is required for timely harvest. In addition, combines must be properly adjusted, frequently checked and carefully operated to minimize losses. Good harvest management can result in hundreds of additional bushels harvested, and thousands of dollars in additional profits. The loss of saleable weight can be more substantial than typical price discounts for wetter grain, as indicated in the table below.
Soybeans dry very quickly after reaching maturity.
In order to time harvest perfectly, it is necessary to monitor soybean drying very closely. From this point, only 5-10 good drying days are needed before harvest. Begin checking grain moisture before all the leaves have dropped off all the plants, since various stresses can cause soybeans to retain some leaves. It is not uncommon to see a few green leaves and stems on some plants after the pods are fully ripe and the soybeans are dry enough for harvest. When harvest is delayed, a number of potential losses may occur, including increased tendency to shatter.