It’s been a warm start to the season, and soybean farmers are taking full advantage. As of May 11, 52% of soybeans are planted across Minnesota, 30% more than last week and 15% ahead of the five-year average. 

Temperatures have been exceptionally high in the southwest corner of the state, drying out the topsoil. Rainfall has been light, and some areas have received just half an inch, but there is rain in the forecast this week, beginning May 15, which should give seedlings a much-needed boost. 

Darin Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, reported that growers in his area in southern Minnesota were about 90% done planting, after a warm and dry stretch.  

“Mother Nature gave us a nice window to get our crop in,” he said from Wells on May 14. “We’re planting our last field in right now.” 

Even growers in far northern Minnesota near the Canadian border were feeling the heat. Jim Kukowski, a director with MSGA and the American Soybean Association, reported that temps reached nearly 100 degrees in Strathcona in Roseau County. The forecast is expected to plummet into the 30s by May 16.  

“We’re about halfway done, and a lot of guys are done,” said Kukowski, who also sells seed, “but I’ve got equipment issues, like always.”  

This week, Research Director Sergio Cabello Leiva visited outgoing MSR&PC Director Gene Stoel in Chandler in southwest Minnesota. Stoel’s fields demonstrate outstanding soybean emergence, thanks to effective practices like strip-till and corn stover, which cover 50–70% of the soil. That cover helps retain moisture and reduce soil evaporation, which is precisely what seedlings need in a dry spring.

Soybean emergence in Chandler, MN. Strip-till and corn stover, 2025.

Different methods to reduce soil moisture evaporation include no-till, cover crops, minimum tillage and more. Depending on your farm’s conditions, these practices not only protect the soil but also enhance resilience for challenging springs like this one. 

Another great example of adaptability is Jeff Schapp, a farmer and dairy farm owner from Chandler. Because of low rainfall and a thin winter rye stand, Schapp has no option for silage. Instead, he planted green on soybeans. He plans to terminate the winter rye, leaving the residue to protect the soil, reduce evaporation, and hopefully catch the upcoming rain, due to cover crop water infiltration improvements. 

There may be several practices that could suit your farm. Combining experience, innovation and research enables us to adopt the most creative, sustainable and profitable solutions.   

Sergio Cabello Leiva serves as director of research with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. For agronomic questions, comments, planting updates or to schedule an on-farm visit, contact Sergio at scabelloleiva@agmgmtsolutions.com or by calling 507-719-7645.