Planting Date and Maturity Date...

1)   Varieties in Maturity Groups IV, V, VI, and, in extreme southern areas, 
     VII are recommended.  Earlier maturing varieties should be considered where
     early planting can be accomplished.  Later maturing varieties can be 
     planted after early maturing varieties are complete.  A range in maturity 
     dates can be achieved with a range in maturity groups and, to a lesser 
     extent, by changes in planting date. A combination of maturity groups and 
     planting dates should be considered to insure a range in maturity dates 
     that allow maximum harvest efficiency.

2)   Early season production is a practice that has been quite successful and 
     consistent for several years.  Cooler soils at planting may result in a 
     need for higher seeding rates to insure good stands in early season 
     soybeans.  The Maturity Group IV soybeans that have been performing well 
     in early season production have a narrow growth habit and narrow rows 
     will be advantageous.  Mid- to late-April plantings are recommended for 
     early-season production of Group IV soybeans.  If weather conditions 
     prevent April plantings, attempt to plant these early soybeans before 
     May 10.  Irrigation will allow later plantings of these early soybeans;
     however, the full yield potential may not be realized.  Timely harvest 
     is crucial with these early-maturing varieties.  If weather conditions are 
     dryer when these varieties reach maturity, this may promote shattering if 
     harvest is delayed.  There is a large range in maturities in the Group IV 
     soybeans.  Determine if an early Group IV or a late Group IV, or some 
     acreage of both, would fit into your planned harvest schedule.

3)   Timely planting is crucial for optimum production of all maturity groups 
     of soybeans.  An attempt should be made to complete soybean planting as 
     early as possible.  Plantings of Maturity Groups V, VI, and VII soybeans 
     can begin as early as May 1.  Delays in planting can result in reduced 
     yield potential for almost all varieties in all maturity groups.

4)   Make sure you are reducing the risk of unfavorable weather conditions by 
     planting varieties of different maturities.  Timely plantings of all 
     varieties improve the chances of optimum production.  A range of maturities
     achieved through maturity groups and planting dates spreads the harvest 
     season and allows more acreage to be harvested per combine.