Soybeans were scouted at the V1 growth stage and prominent signs of weather related damage consistent with hail was observed. Including defoliation, reduced stand, and stem damage.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as damage from hail. In this environment, hail was brought about by a spring thunderstorm. Symptomology associated with hail damage can include snapped hypocotyls in the crook stage, reduced stand, missing cotyledons, defoliation, and stem damage. Injury in this environment was not severe enough to affect yield, as the plants should continue to grow and recover.