Good Ground, Cool Weather Help Soybean Farmers Set Records

The work of Mother Nature and technology have provided a one-two punch in seeing soybeans grow throughout southeast Arkansas and the rest of the state, according to record-breaking farmers and an official with the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.

Dr. Lanny Ashlock, who works with project management for the promotion board, said the crop has benefited especially in southeast Arkansas.

“It is a tremendous environment,” Ashlock said. “They have had cooler nights, timely rains and learned to control diseases. The growers have done a tremendous job and it has led to tremendous yields.”

The work also led two south Arkansas farm families to hit the 100-bushel per acre threshold this year. Average yields are around 35 bushels per acre, according to board statistics.

Matt Miles of Desha County and David Bennett of Chicot County were the farmers in the state to participate in the Grow for the Green Yield contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.

MILES OF SOYBEANS
Miles said he and his wife, Sherrie, have farmed in the county since 1992 and have seen a lot of changes.

“My wife, I and our son-in-law all farm. Our son also farms and we definitely pride ourselves on the farm,” Miles said.

The 100-bushel per acre milestone was also hit last year on ground that is very fertile, Miles said. Miles also credited the soybean board for their work.

“They promote farmers and are always willing to try new things. We had 100 bushels on five acres of land. It is like having 90 bushels farm wide,” Miles said.

One of the biggest issues that farmers in the state face is the weather. A heavy rain can impact a crop while a good rain can help, Miles said. Miles’ wife, Sherrie, who also farms in Ashley County, said her father raised her on the farm and that she began working in farming by doing book work.

“On a busy day, there is the enjoyment of doing what you love,” Sherrie Miles said. “Matt and I work well together and complement each other.”

BENNETT BENEFITS
Bennett said he began driving a tractor on his father’s farm when he was 10 or 11 years old.

“There is not a single childhood memory that I have without farming in it,” Bennett said.

The University of Arkansas-Monticello graduate said he has grown cotton, corn, rice and soybeans during his career. Bennett said most farmers have stopped growing cotton due to drops in prices, noting soybeans have had a better yield in recent years.

The basics of farming have remained the same – good soil, good precipitation and good planting, Bennett said. However, he noted that precision guidance on tractors and combines as well as precision spraying, have helped farmers add to their yields.

Another aspect is water.

Bennett said he pumps water out of Lake Chicot and also has access to 80 submersible wells, helping with the irrigation. Another area of help are a group of advisors from the University of Arkansas Extension Service, Bennett said.

“I have utilized the extension service. They are well worth it. And they do tests and yields,” Bennett said. “They test and help with soil variety.”

ASHLOCK ADVICE
Ashlock said the soybean promotion board has funded several projects to help farmers get better yields.

The projects have included working with area extension agents on fertilization levels as well as improving technology.

“It is better than ever. Farmers are using the resources better than ever,” Ashlock said.

Soybean production has traditionally been one of the largest agricultural enterprises in Arkansas. Soybean acreage in Arkansas declined sharply in the 1980’s but has stabilized around 3.2 million acres annually. Arkansas ranks in the top 10 soybean producing states annually, according to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.

Soybeans are grown in more than 50 of the state’s 75 counties, but are concentrated in eastern Arkansas. Some soybeans are also produced in the Arkansas River Valley in the west and the Red River Valley in the southwest.

Ashlock said farmers in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Arkansas face different issues each year. However, both are seeing better crops.

“Northeast Arkansas has a different growing season than Southeast Arkansas. Plus, the weather is different. Altogether, we have seen the grow yield increase statewide,” Ashlock said.