Corn Harvest in Rio Grande do Sul 69%, Yields Disappoint

Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande is usually one of the largest first crop corn producing states in Brazil, but this year, hot and dry conditions in January and February have taken a toll on the crop. For some farmers, this is the fourth year in a row of disappointing corn yields.

As of last week, farmers in the state had harvested 69% of their 2024/25 corn. The harvest pace is slow because farmers are prioritizing the soybean and rice harvest.

Emater is now estimating the statewide corn yield at 6,866 kg/ha (109 bu/ac) which is down 3.5% from their initial estimate of 7,116 kg/ha (114 bu/ac). Even with the reduction, the 2024/25 yield is 21% higher than the flood ravaged crop of 2023/24. The corn acreage is now estimated at 698,587 hectares, which is down from their initial estimate of 748,511 hectares. The 2024/25 corn production is estimated at 4.78 million tons.

Corn that was planted in December and January benefited from recent rains, but earlier planted corn encountered pollination problems due to hot and dry conditions. The highest yielding corn is generally found across northern Rio Grande do Sul. In the municipality of Ijui the corn yield is 136 bu/ac, Passo Fundo is 139 bu/ac, and Santa Rosa is 115 bu/ac.

On the other hand, corn yields in the southern and western areas are the lowest. In some of the hardest hit areas, the corn yields are down 60 to 70% from initial expectations.

Tags: dry conditions, estimate, harvest, Brazil, Production, yields, crop, acreage, first crop corn