A study was conducted at two Northeast Louisiana locations to examine, in part, the effects of soybean variety and planting date on stand establishment and early growth. At the Northeast Research Station, Saint Joseph, LA two tests were implemented. In the first, whole plots were six planting dates spaced at approximately 2-week intervals. Split plots were seven Maturity Group IV and two Maturity Group III soybean varieties planted flat in a 16-inch row spacing with a 32-inch skip for tractor tires. The second test was planted on 40-inch beds, and included seven planting dates as whole plots. Split plots were six Maturity Group IV and two Maturity Group III soybean varieties. At the Macon Ridge Research Station, Winnsboro, LA a similar test was conducted on 40-inch beds. In each test, data was collected on soil temperature following planting, emergence at 10 and 20 days after planting, and early plant height. Climatic data was obtained from weather stations located at each research station.