Soybean Yield Growth and Gaps

By Scout Nelson

Soybeans remain one of the most important crops in South Dakota. In 2024, they were the second largest crop, contributing about 35 percent of the state’s total crop income. According to official data, around 5.45 million acres were planted in 2024, producing nearly 231 million bushels.

In 2025, planted acreage declined slightly to about 5.1 million acres. However, total production increased to around 238 million bushels. This rise was mainly due to improved yields rather than expanded planting areas.

The statewide average yield reached 47 bushels per acre in 2025, which is about 9 percent higher than the 2024 average of 43 bushels per acre. This shows that better growing conditions and management practices can increase production even when acreage falls.

However, soybean yields vary widely across counties. Differences in soil quality, rainfall, and farming methods lead to large variations in productivity. Data from 2024 shows that some counties achieved very high yields, while others had much lower results.

For example, one county recorded the highest yield of over 55 bushels per acre, while some counties in central regions averaged only about 29 bushels per acre. These differences highlight the impact of local conditions on crop performance.

Over the past ten years, eastern South Dakota has consistently produced higher soybean yields. In contrast, yields tend to decline as we move toward the western part of the state. This pattern reflects differences in climate, soil, and water availability.

Year-to-year yield changes are also influenced by factors such as drought, flooding, pests, and diseases. Because of this, experts recommend using multi-year averages instead of single-year data to better understand true productivity.

Overall, soybean production in South Dakota continues to show stability in acreage and growth in yield. While regional differences remain, improved management and favorable conditions can support strong production. These insights help guide better planning and decision-making for future crop seasons.

Photo Credit: istock-ds70