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Nearby soy bean crop #924735

Asked February 18, 2026, 11:01 AM EST

Hello! There is a huge soy field near where I would like to establish a native flower source to help bees. Do the chemicals used in that crop endanger bees? My father's pumpkin patch has been in decline since the soy beans have arrived. I'd like to plant bee forage in the native grasses to help the pumpkin pollinators. Are there specific bee friendly wildflower mixes for the far north of MN?

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



Julie Replied February 19, 2026, 1:19 PM EST

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