Overall, the state of South Dakota had good soybean yields this year—some were actually record-high in certain parts of the state. But the yields in our area were negatively impacted by a late freeze, which caused our bushels per acre to be slightly lower than what we had hoped. Some of our fields were also negatively affected by white mold. But, all-in-all, we had a good season. We produced a high-quality crop of soybeans for our international customers, and I have a positive outlook and attitude for the coming season.

Our weed control was excellent this year because we used a pre-emerge application, which we plan to continue to do in the future. We use narrow rows on our farm with the hope of increasing yield. Narrow rows are good for our area because of the slope in our hillsides. These rows help to canopy the ground quicker, maintain weed control and retain moisture. This is one of the sustainable practices we have been doing on our farm for many years.

Like most farmers, I am very protective of our soil. We don’t apply extra fertilizer if it’s not necessary. We test our soil and find out what fertilizers are needed on in each are on our farm and only apply what is needed. This is important to make sure our soil is there for many years to come as younger generations take over our farms.

We are happy to meet the needs of our international customers and look forward to continuing to do so in the seasons to come. We had another successful harvest, and hope that our international customers continue to see our product as high in quality and sustainable, all while meeting their needs.

September 24, 2014

We are currently preparing for harvest on our farm. We should start harvesting our soybeans in a week, which is about a week behind the normal time we have started in previous years. We haven’t had problems with any prominent pests or weeds lately, but did experience an unexpected frost about a week ago. Not sure how much of an effect this will have on our yield, but I am still hopeful we will produce at least an average crop come harvest.

I want our international customers to know that U.S. soybean-farmers are ready to produce a high quality supply of U.S. soybeans again this year. Now is the time to buy.

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August 5, 2014

This week, we are continuing to spray our fields for bugs. The soybeans are growing well, but we could use rain. There’s some rain in our forecast, but not much. We are experiencing some challenges with aphids and water hemp, but are working hard to resolve these issues with insecticides for the aphids and hand weeding for the water hemp.

I want our international customers to know that despite the weather challenges this summer, we will be providing them with a good crop of high quality U.S. soybeans come fall. Also, now is the time for them to buy soybeans because prices are good.

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July 17, 2014

I am currently doing a lot of traveling. But yesterday, we were spraying our fields. We are in really good shape with our weed control so far. Our pre-emerge treatments are working well and we haven’t seen many weeds. Last time we spoke, much of our fields were flooded due to excess rain. Now, we are being challenged by quite the opposite:  we could use a little rain at this point to help our soybeans mature.

It’s currently a waiting game. Since our weed management is going well, we are just waiting and watching our soybeans grow. The next steps will be to scout for aphids and other pests. Overall, everything is going pretty well. While the weather hasn’t been perfect this summer, the soybeans are looking good and we will take what we get and make it work.

I want our international customers to know that U.S. farmers are working hard to provide a high quality crop for them. I also want them to know that these products are very safe, and we eat them here in the U.S. as well.

June 25, 2014

I recently returned from Japan, and while I was out of the country we received huge amounts of rain here in South Dakota. Many of my fields were flooded, so this week I am checking the fields to see if any soybean acres can be replanted. We do have a decent stand so far this season and have already applied the pre-emergence for weeds that is working very well—we are finding very few weeds. We do need some sun and warmer temperatures soon to help the crop continue to grow well; we definitely have enough moisture for a while.

I want our international customers to know that, despite the abundant rainfall that many parts of the country has received, U.S. soybean farmers will still produce a great quality crop for them. I know in South Dakota in particular, the crop will be even better that usual overall and we will be able to supply for all of their protein needs.

May 22, 2014

This week, we are finishing up planting our last few acres of soybeans. I am also spraying our soybeans with a pre-emerge herbicide, so we have a lot going on. Surprisingly, the weather has cleared up in the last few weeks, allowing us to get all of our planting done before the end of May, which has been a nice surprise. We are currently in very good shape, but since I just sprayed the pre-emerge spray, we could use more rain in the near future.

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I want our international customers to know that U.S. soybean farmers are continuing to go full speed ahead to provide the best quality soybean crop for them. I am looking forward to going to Japan next month to learn more about U.S. soy’s opportunities with international livestock.

April 29, 2014

I have experienced an abundance of rain at my farm this week, and I’m currently waiting to get back out in my fields. I hope to finish planting corn in the next couple of weeks so I can start planting soybeans by mid-May.

With the amount of rain we have received here in South Dakota, I will be happy to get back in the fields and finish planting corn so I can move on to soybeans. The great thing about the technology we have these days is with GPS systems, farmers can plant both day and night. So, as soon as it quits raining I will be able to get into the fields and put some acres under the planter. That’s one of the great efficiencies we have in the U.S. With big equipment, along with the willingness to go after it and get things done, farmers can get a lot more accomplished in a short period of time.

I want our international customers of soy to know that these weather delays may look potentially serious to the marketplace, but in reality, U.S. soybean farmers will be ready to finish planting as soon as weather permits. We are looking forward to providing them another great harvest of U.S. soybeans. We know that our export markets are critical markets and we are working hard to improve our transportation process more and more all of the time, and we are happy about that.

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About Kevin Scott’s Farm: Kevin grows soybeans and corn on his farm in Valley Springs, South Dakota. He and his wife, Jannell, have six children. Kevin has been on the North Dakota Soybean Council for eleven years and both the ASA and USSEC boards for two years.