Non-irrigated full season soybeans are further along than normal. This is due to a combination of early planting, high temperatures, and low soil moisture. Plants have reached growth stage R4 in a few fields. Growth stage R4 is characterized by a pod that is 3/4″ in length at one of the four uppermost nodes. The period between R4-R5 is one of the most critical periods for yield. Stresses such as drought could cause pod abortion and therefore result in reduced yields. Double crop soybeans, especially after barley, are doing well in areas that have received the spotty rainfall. A helpful video from Purdue University on assessing drought stressed soybeans:
