Check the label for information concerning specific intervals between application and harvest. However, if the decision to harvested for forage is made early, then timely cultivation may eliminate the need for herbicides. It is also important to remember that weed control need not be as stringent when soybeans are harvested for forage as compared to grain production. Some weeds can be tolerated, especially in late season, with no effect on yield and small effects on forage quality. At this point the field has achieved maximum dry matter yield and is beginning to decrease in moisture content.
Some field drying is necessary before either ensiling or making hay from soybeans.
They should be harvested with a mower and conditioner. Conditioning hastens stem drying so that leaves and stems dry at more similar rates and leaf loss is reduced. Harvesting soybeans for hay is generally not recommended because drying time is increased relative to silage harvest, increasing the likelihood of rain damage. Leaf loss is also increased so that crude protein of the harvested forage is reduced. Additionally, soybean hay is often dusty and the stems are very brittle increasing feed bunk refusal.