GROWING 200-BUSHEL SOYBEANS
Successful Farming|May - June 2024
World record holder Alex Harrell shares tips on taking soybean yields to the next level.
Adrienne Held & Natalina Sents Bausch,
GROWING 200-BUSHEL SOYBEANS

On Aug. 23, 2023, Alex Harrell shattered the world soybean record with a yield of 206.7997 bushels per acre on his Smithville, Georgia, farm. The 33-year-old farms about 3,000 acres of wheat, soybeans, corn, and watermelons with his father, Rodney, in Lee and Sumter Counties, north of Albany.

Dewey Lee, a former University of Georgia agronomist of 35 years, calls Harrell an out-of-the-box thinker. Open to different crops and ideas, and a hunger to learn, the young farmer likes challenging himself and others around him, Lee says: “He’s always on that edge.”

“I’ve got to give credit where credit is due,” Harrell says. Until Randy Dowdy — who set the previous record, 190 bushels per acre in 2019 — came along, nobody associated high-yielding soybeans with Georgia. Dowdy’s achievements helped Harrell believe he could overcome the challenges of the South’s sandy, low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and low organic matter soils. “[Dowdy] gave me something to chase,” Harrell says.

Harrell has worked with Dowdy and other record-setting farmers through the Total Acre Program, and credits the group for many of the lessons he’s learned. 

Record-setting Season April 5: Soybean planting

Harrell planted 85,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows on April 5. The soybeans were a Group 4 indeterminate variety from Asgrow, AG48X9. 

Harrell attributes the planter as the key to high yields: “More than any product, getting a uniform stand, uniform emergence, and seed singulation,” he says. “I know that sounds pretty simple, but without a doubt, that’s the number one thing. You drive higher yields with a better stand and better emergence.”

この記事は Successful Farming の May - June 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Successful Farming の May - June 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

SUCCESSFUL FARMINGのその他の記事すべて表示
THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'
Successful Farming

THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'

Coming up with quick, on-the-go meals is one of the many talents Deanne Frieders brings to the table.

time-read
4 分  |
August 2024
HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED
Successful Farming

HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED

This Iowa farmer has perfected an annual system with four forage species that maximizes tonnage, resources, and feeding quality.

time-read
5 分  |
August 2024
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
Successful Farming

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

The doctrine of title by acquiescence determines the legal boundary line between two properties and overrules the boundary listed in the deeds.

time-read
3 分  |
August 2024
TIME WELL SPENT
Successful Farming

TIME WELL SPENT

Senator Charles Grassley reflects on careers in farming and government.

time-read
4 分  |
August 2024
BUILDING FARM STABILITY
Successful Farming

BUILDING FARM STABILITY

This young farmer uses regenerative practices and diversification to set up his farm for the future.

time-read
2 分  |
August 2024
THE MEXICO MAIZE
Successful Farming

THE MEXICO MAIZE

Navigating Mexico's ban of genetically modified corn.

time-read
6 分  |
August 2024
NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND
Successful Farming

NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND

Between their cattle operation, crops, and off-farm jobs, Dean and Tillie Thompson have plenty to do, but they still find time to serve their community.

time-read
5 分  |
August 2024
WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?
Successful Farming

WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?

Problem: Two parents are conflicted about meeting their kids' inheritance expectations.

time-read
2 分  |
August 2024
TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST
Successful Farming

TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST

Follow these steps to protect you and your machinery while in the field this autumn.

time-read
2 分  |
August 2024
9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS
Successful Farming

9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS

See the latest innovations displayed at World Dairy Expo.

time-read
3 分  |
August 2024