Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.

New world-record soybean yield

Georgia farmer Alex Harrell set a new world record yield for soybeans, pulling a 218.2856-bushel average from his field on Aug. 13. He planted Pioneer’s New Z Series P49Z02E on single, 30-inch rows, putting 110,000 seed per acre in the furrow with a final stand of 105,000 plants per acre. This comes after Harrell already set a world record yield last year.  – Southeast Farm Press

Bobcat expands utility tractor lineup

Bobcat is introducing three new machines: the 66-hp UT6066 and UT6566, and the 73-hp UT6573. Unlike other Bobcat tractors designed for hobby farming and nonagricultural applications, the new machines are designed to work on larger farms. The first orders shipped in July. Learn more about the features on the new machines. – Farm Progress

Pink corn displays nitrogen status

Giving plants the ability to “talk” and express themselves once seemed like a fairy tale. University  Illinois researchers are developing a prototype sensor so that anyone could determine the relative amount of nitrogen in the corn plant just by looking at the ear. The more nitrogen in the plant, the darker pink the kernels become. Learn how the tool could fine-tune crop management. – Prairie Farmer

Tractor sales drop in 2024

Total sales of ag tractors dropped 14.1% in July compared to the year before and are down 11.9% year-to-date. Combine sales dipped 19.1% in July compared to 2023 and are down 17.6% year-to-date. Despite these trends, U.S. sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors increased 18.6% in July 2024 compared to the year before, according to new data from AEM. – Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Canada rail carriers begin shipping embargoes

CPKC and Canadian National Railway have embargoed shipments of hazardous items ahead of a possible work stoppage that could happen as soon as Aug. 22. Rail carriers say is the first step to shut down their respective networks unless the railroads reach a new labor deal with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. The parties resumed talks last week but still have no deal. – Supply Chain Dive

8 don’ts for soil health

There are many articles on what to do to improve soil health, but there are not many on what not to do. For all those out there who find the “don’ts” more helpful than the “do’s," check out these eight tips to protect your soil health system. – Indiana Prairie Farmer

Harvest Safety Week

National Grain and Feed Association’s fifth annual Harvest Safety Week is Aug. 19-23. NGFA dedicates a week to sharing safety resources particularly relevant to the busy harvest season. As you prepare for fall, brush up on safety tips with these Farm Progress stories: