It is always the least mature areas of the field that we need to consider when judging the crop stage of dry beans. The most helpful item to take to the field with you is the Dry Bean Desiccation and Harvest Guide – Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers. Whether you take the laminated hard copy in your hand or have the digital copy downloaded to glance at on your phone, the pictures and descriptions on the guide and extremely helpful to help make timing decisions.
Let’s look at a few pictures from this year’s fields, highlighting what we can see, hear, and squeeze that will indicate if its too soon yet for ideal desiccation timing.
Seeing areas that still have green leaves? Too early yet
Seeing plants that still have most of their leaves, even if the leaves have turned yellow? Too early yet
Seeing areas of the stems that are still green? Too early yet
Feeling pods that are leathery? Too early yet
From those bottom pods…Seeing different coloured seeds? Able to squish the seeds? Seeds don’t rattle because they are still attached to pod? Too early yet
Be patient
Wait
Check Again
Be ready
Here is what the ideal timing looks and sounds like.
