Weather, insects, markets pressure soybean growers: January 2000 Soybeans Today

Soybeans Today January 2000

Weather, insects, markets pressure soybean growers

By Mary F. Hightower

Local weather and slowdowns in far-flung Asian markets helped make 1999 a miserable year for soybean growers.

Arkansas growers planted 3.5 million acres this year, and as of mid- October, it appeared they would harvest around 3.4 million, with a projected yield of about 25 to 26 bushels.

"August was the sixth hottest month in recorded history. Many growers received no significant rainfall from mid-July through September. This encompasses almost the entire reproductive period," said Lanny Ashlock, soybean agronomist for the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.

The summer also brought insect problems.

"We were undergoing terrific pressure with June and July plantings with soybean and cabbage loopers," Ashlock said.

Then, there were the prices, slammed by large global stockpiles, a big Brazilian harvest and slow Asian markets.

"They were at the 20-plus year lows but have rebounded somewhat. They are still too low for most farmers to make a profit," he said.

Looking ahead, Ashlock said it's hard to be optimistic.

"We've been very pleased this year with the yields we've obtained from fields that were irrigated in a timely fashion according to the U of A irrigation scheduler program.

"We expect continued low prices but hope that there will be some improvement in prices and that our growers have better cooperation from the weather in 2000," he said. "One big concern right now is related to exporting genetically modified beans such as Roundup Ready.

"Hopefully, these export concerns will also be rectified by next year," he said.

Soybeans Today January 2000
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For additional information about any board-related activity contact:

Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
ATTN: Brandy Carroll
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
Phone: 501-228-1268

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