Late-Season Soybean Irrigation: How a Little Extra Water Can Boost Yields

Picture this: It’s late summer, and your soybean fields are starting to turn that familiar golden yellow—a sure sign harvest is near. Most farmers would assume irrigation at this stage is pointless, maybe even wasteful. But what if I told you that a well-timed splash of water could still increase your yield by 5–10 bushels per acre? That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s a strategy backed by agronomists like Steve Gauck of Beck’s, who’s seen firsthand how late-season irrigation can turn good soybeans into great ones.

In this post, we’ll break down why late-season soybean irrigation works, how to do it right, and what real farmers are seeing in their fields. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just dipping your toes into precision ag, this could be the game-changer your operation needs. Let’s dive in!