Brazil: Safrinha Corn Planting Starting in Mato Grosso do Sul

Farmers in Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil have started planting their safrinha corn. According to the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock in Mato Grosso do Sul (Famasul), as of January 28th, farmers had planted 0.8% of the safrinha corn compared to 0% last year and 3.8% average. Safrinha corn is planted after the soybeans are harvested and the soybean harvest is expected to accelerate as more of the crop matures.

Famasul is estimating the 2021/22 safrinha acreage in Mato Grosso do Sul at 1.99 million hectares (4.9 million acres) which is down 12.6% compared to the 2.28 million hectares (5.6 million acres) planted last year. They are estimating the average yield at 78.1 sacks per hectare 74.5 bu/ac) and a total production of 9.34 million tons.

Famasul acknowledges that the current high corn prices might encourage farmers to plant more safrinha corn compared to initial estimates. The ideal planting window for safrinha corn closes about the third week of February. If the corn is planted after the window closes, there is an increased risk of frost before the corn matures.

Farmers in the state have forward contracted 10% of their anticipated production compared to 27% last year at this time. The average price of corn in the state last week was R$ 85.00 per sack (approximately $7.15 per bushel), which represents an increase of 17% compared to January of 2021.

Soybean & Corn Advisor

Tags: acreage, safrinha corn, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, Production, yield