Michigan Soybean Yields Projected to Set New Record in 2025

News Summary

The USDA projects Michigan’s soybean yields to reach an average of 52 bushels per acre in 2025, surpassing last year’s yield by three bushels. However, ongoing drought conditions are creating challenges, with significant impacts on both soybean and corn crops. Limited rainfall and high temperatures are raising concerns among farmers about harvest outcomes and potential risks to crop quality. As harvest season approaches, the situation is being closely monitored amid fears of insufficient yields due to weather uncertainties.

Lansing, Michigan – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected an average yield of 52 bushels per acre for Michigan soybeans in 2025, setting a new state record that surpasses last year’s yield by three bushels. However, this year’s harvest is anticipated to commence earlier than usual, largely due to the significant drought impacting approximately one-third of the state.

The persistent dry conditions have been characterized by limited rainfall since April 2025, leading to concerns among farmers and agricultural experts. As Michigan faces above-normal temperatures this summer, the forecast suggests that these factors will markedly hinder soybean production. Affected areas extend diagonally from Saginaw Bay to the Grand Rapids area, highlighting the widespread challenges posed by the drought.

Eric Anderson, a soybean educator, has expressed particular concern over low test weights in regions that have experienced minimal rainfall. Many soybean fields in these affected areas display promising-looking pods; however, the uncertainty regarding their ability to fill out fully leaves growers apprehensive. While there is potential for Michigan’s overall crop conditions to average out due to better-performing areas, the reality remains uncertain.

In southwest Michigan, the drought has severely impacted croplands, with notable effects on both soybeans and corn. Consultant Jason Stegink has indicated that this corn crop is the worst seen since 2012, resulting in substantial disappointment regarding yields. In impacted regions, decreased pod development and seed retention have been clearly observed in soybeans.

Current reports illustrate that topsoil moisture in Michigan is stated to be 40% short to very short, with subsoil moisture at 55% in similar condition. These moisture deficits are critical indicators of the stress the state’s agriculture is enduring. As of the latest weekly crop update, only 3% of corn is considered mature, with 48% rated in good to excellent condition. In the case of soybeans, 21% statewide are dropping leaves, and 54% are assessed to be in good to excellent condition.

As of early August, the USDA rated Michigan’s corn crop as follows: 1% very poor, 8% poor, 35% fair, 40% good, and 16% excellent. The drought situation has also heightened the risk of white mold and frog-eye leaf spot in soybean fields, depending on the irrigation status of specific fields.

Additionally, Michigan farmers planted 2.0 million acres of soybeans in 2025, marking a decline of 200,000 acres from the 2024 season. This reduction in planting reflects both the current agricultural challenges and the shifting climate patterns impacting farming practices in the region.

As the harvest season approaches, both farmers and agricultural specialists will be closely monitoring the outcomes influenced by these ongoing drought conditions. The forecasted soybean yields may still fall short of expectations due to the prevailing uncertainties caused by weather patterns, potentially leading to broader implications for Michigan’s agricultural economy.

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