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Soybean harvest is finally underway. Timely harvest of soybeans is important for minimal field losses and maximum seed weight.

Harvest can start any time after soybeans reach maturity and foliage and stems are dry. Soybean pods lose and gain moisture more easily than any other crop due to changing weather conditions.

The ideal moisture for harvest is between 13% and 15%. Harvesting slows down when moisture is higher, and when too high—say 16% or greater—seeds can be crushed or damaged. If moisture is less than 12%, losses due to lodging and combine shatter can be as high as 10% of yield. At 16%, it is very difficult to dry soybeans and some heated air is needed.

Studies have shown that as much as a 12% loss can occur during harvest. Data in the table (below) shows an example for discount schedules for $10.00/bu soybeans. This price is high, but still gives you an idea of the potential loss.

For example at 10% moisture you have lost 3.5 lbs. of water per bushel compared to beans at 13.5% standardized market moisture, so that bushel is really only worth $9.79 compared to $10.00, or a discount of $0.21. Over 60 bushels across one acre that is a $12.60 loss per acre or $2,016 across 160 acres. Harvesting dry beans costs you money.

On the other hand, if you combine at 15%, you’ve gain 1.5 lbs. moisture and if discounted 2% per point, a bushel would be discounted $0.18 (based on $0.12 per point per bushel) or be worth $9.82. (If discounted 3.3% per point, a bushel would be discounted $0.30 per bushel (based on $0.20 per point per bushel) or be worth $9.70.) If you can begin harvest at 14% to 14.5% and get most of your beans out at 12.5% to 14.5%, more of your bushels will be closer to that $10.00 cash price.

Harvesting soybeans too wet or too dry and delivering directly to an elevator can cost you real money at the end of the season. It pays to harvest beans between 12% and 14% when you can, in order to keep as much of that money in your pocket.

Agronomist Dr. Daniel Davidson posts blogs on agronomy-related topics. Feel free to contact him at djdavidson@agrwrite.com.