Knowledgebase
Nearby soy bean crop #924735
Asked February 18, 2026, 11:01 AM EST
Roseau County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, Starr.
You are right to be concerned about the chemicals used on the soybean fields near you. Off-dusting (when the talc-like dust used on soybean plants blows onto nearby fields and plants) of insecticides is one way pollinators can be in contact with those chemicals. I've included links to a few sites that provide detailed information for you. The first one, from the University of Minnesota, explains the process in more depth and discusses ways to minimize the impact on pollinators.
Though soybeans are considered self-pollinating, there are indications that pollinators do pollinate the plants and are beneficial to them (second link in sources).
Though I cannot endorse a specific vendor for purchasing the seeds for your native flower space, there are many excellent native plant growers in Minnesota that specialize in native plants and seed blends. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a list of vendors for the various regions of the state, and I've found that to be a helpful tool. Another option is to enter these search terms in your browser: Minnesota, native, plant, grower. That will generate many options from which you can choose.
I wish you well as you work on this project to provide safe spaces for pollinators in your area.
Sources:
https://extension.umn.edu/soybean-pest-management/protecting-pollinators-and-near-soybean
https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/pollinating-insects-can-help-soybean-yields
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/POL-4/POL-4.html
Sincerely,
Julie