Delayed Soybean Planting to Impact Safrinha Corn Acreage in Brazil

Soybeans planted in west-central Brazil and the state of Tocantins after November 1st will not allow enough time to plant safrinha corn within the ideal planting window which closes about February 20th. In addition to the soybeans being planted the slowest since 2009, Brazilian farmers are now planting a lot more safrinha corn compared to 2009. In 2009, farmers planted 5.2 million hectares of safrinha corn compared to 17.1 million hectares projected for 2024, so Brazilian farmers now have a lot more safrinha corn to plant.

Farmers have invested in new technologies including bigger planters, so safrinha planting can progress faster as well. In addition to potential late planting, low domestic corn prices are also a disincentive to plant safrinha corn.

The first corn crop in Parana was 98% planted as of last week with 2% of the corn germinating, 66% in vegetative development, 28% pollinating, and 4% filling grain. The corn is rated 4% poor, 17% average, and 79% good.

The corn planting in Rio Grande do Sul only advanced 1% last week to 82% complete. Wet conditions slowed planting and the state is forecasted to continue receiving heavy rains. Farmers are concerned that the constant wet weather may have restricted pollen flow resulting in poor pollination.

Tags: first corn crop, planting, Brazil, soybeans, safrinha corn