Acreage of soybeans in New York continues to increase, not just in the traditional district at the head of the Finger Lakes, but throughout the state.

Although soybeans are not difficult to grow, buyers are discriminating about seed quality, so producers must learn to harvest and handle the crop with skill and care.

Tests to date indicate that soybeans grown in New York are somewhat higher in protein content (34% to 37%) and lower in oil content (16% to 18.5%) than soybeans grown in the Corn Belt.

Honey bee health around grain crops

The National Corn Growers Association in partnership with the Honey Bee Health Coalition recently published Corn Best Management Practices for honey bee health. The team that developed the BMPs comprised growers, beekeepers and businesses that deal with these crops. In 2018, BMPs for soybean growers also were developed.

BMPs for corn: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/cornbmps/

For soybeans: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/soybmps/

The HBHC’s website https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/ has more information about bees and beekeeping practices.

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