How Pre-harvest Scouting and Soybean Desiccation Can Improve Harvest Success

By Corteva Agriscience|September 8, 2025

In 2025, much of the Midwest experienced ample moisture and sunlight, creating favorable growing conditions. In the past month, however, diseases such as gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, tar spot and southern rust have been observed. Entering fields ahead of harvest to evaluate yield potential and current environmental pressures is key to finishing the season strong.

There are several tools available to help farmers prioritize pre-harvest scouting. Tools like satellite imagery, growth-stage modeling and weather data highlight crop variability or stress, helping farmers decide which fields to scout first.

When prioritizing fields for harvest:

  • Estimate corn yield
    • Digitally
    • Manually
      • Measure one one-thousandth of an acre
      • Count harvestable ears
      • Determine average kernels per row (avoid tip kernels)
      • Count kernel rows per ear
      • Calculate:
        • Estimated yield (bu/ac) = (ears × kernel rows × kernels per row)/90
        • Example: (32×16×28)/90 ≈ 159 bu/ac
  • Assess stalk strength
    • Scout 2–3 weeks before harvest and use the push test; harvest weaker fields first to reduce lodging risk
  • Check ear molds and calibrate monitors
    • Watch for mold issues, especially in corn-on-corn or high-population fields
    • Calibrate yield monitors and re-check periodically during harvest
  • Identify disease, insect and weather stress
    • Flag stressed fields and move them up in the harvest sequence
  • Operational tips
    • Consider starting at 20–25% grain moisture to spread workload and reduce field and standability risk
    • After harvest, review the season’s performance to inform next season’s hybrid selection

Timing Desiccation for Improved Soybean Harvest

When it comes to early planted beans in March and April, desiccation can be a valuable harvest management tool, according to Jason Ruddick, Pioneer Field Agronomist in Arkansas.

“Desiccating soybeans can be a very beneficial practice,” Ruddick said. “It helps with scheduling harvest, promotes more even maturity and can eliminate some of the green leaves that stick around when beans are maturing during warm September weather.”

He recommends waiting until soybeans reach at least the R6.5 growth stage before desiccating. Many growers wait until R7, when brown pods appear at the top of the plant, but R6.5 is the earliest safe stage for those needing to start harvest sooner.

To determine stage, pull pods from the top four nodes of several plants:

  • R6.5 Stage – Soybeans have a shiny, glossy appearance because the dull, fuzzy membrane has detached from the seed and is stuck to the pod wall. Pods may appear pale green to yellow.
  • R6 Stage – The membrane is still attached to the seed, meaning it’s still filling.

“You don’t want to shut the plant off if most pods are still filling,” Ruddick cautioned.

Important reminders:

  • Always follow product labels, observe pre-harvest intervals, and comply with state and local regulations.
  • Coordinate with your local agronomist or sales representative to select products and timing appropriate for your varieties and local conditions.

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Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with a complete portfolio, including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. See all author stories here.

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