Soybean harvesting slows in Mato Grosso

07-Feb-2025 01:12 PM

The soybean harvest in Mato Grosso, Brazil's top agricultural state, is currently slowing down due to rain and high humidity, but the weather has helped improve the crop's yield.

As of January 31, only 12.2% of the soybean crop had been harvested, compared to 39.3% during the same period last year.

Despite the weather conditions, farmers are still harvesting and are hoping to properly store the crop before any potential future heavy rain.

Soybeans need to be dried to a moisture content of 13-14% for optimal quality. However, many grain elevators are struggling with insufficient drying capacity, leading to long lines of trucks waiting to unload soybeans.

Despite these challenges, the average yield is expected to be 19% higher than last year's drought-affected crop, with estimates placing the yield at 62.07 sacks per hectare (55 bushels per acre). This would make it the second-highest yield rate in the state’s history.

If the yield estimate holds true, Mato Grosso’s soybean production could reach record levels, contributing to a national total estimated between 1690-1710 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season.

Despite the late start to the harvest and slower progress, this year’s crop is on track to be a significant success.