Soybean monitoring predicts sharp decline in yield

The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from University of Missouri Extension predicts drastic shifts to lower soybean yields due to a lack of rainfall.

In a news release, MU Extension soybean agronomy specialist Andre Reis says the latest yield predictions have averaged 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.

“August 2025 was the second-driest August on record, with only 0.79 inches of statewide average rainfall,” says Zachary Leasor, MU Extension state climatologist.

According to Leasor, the U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.

The southeastern and southwestern parts of Missouri are hardest hit, but the rest of the state except for northwestern Missouri is showing signs of drought.

The yield model now points to below-average results for most of the state, especially for soybean fields planted after April 26.

Early-planted soybeans are less affected since the drought onset occurred late in the seed-filling stage. Soybean crops in northwestern Missouri also are less affected, but soil water content has been depleted nearly statewide, says Reis.

Reis urges growers to consider harvest operations.

“Soybeans in drought-affected areas will senesce earlier, and seed moisture will decline rapidly,” he says.