How Early Can I Plant Soybeans in Minnesota?

Factors to Consider

• Soil conditions and soil temperatures should be considered when planting soybeans early. Soybeans grow best when planted in soil temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil conditions are also a factor to consider and can be influenced by heavy rain. Saturated soil inhibits soybean emergence.

Planting Early and Yield

• The earliest date to plant soybeans successfully in Minnesota is generally in late April and prior to May 1. The earlier the soybeans are planted, the more they can potentially yield. Some northern farmers see an increase of as much as 10 to 15 percent more bushels when soybeans are planted early as compared to those planted later in the spring, according to Corn & Soybean Digest.

Early Planting Risks

• Risks of planting soybeans early in Minnesota include the possibility of a hard, killing frost, too much rain, bean leaf beetle problems, sudden death syndrome (SDS) and cyst nematodes.