Farmers are Actively Planting Winter Crops in Rio Grande do Sul

Farmers in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul plant a variety of winter crops including wheat, oats, barley, and canola. Emater reported last week that farmers are actively planting their winter crops between showers.

The most widely planted winter crop is wheat which was 55% planted last week. Farmers are expected to plant 1,505,700 hectares (3,719,000 acres) of wheat with an estimated yield of 3,021 kg/ha (45 bu/ac) resulting in a production of approximately 4.5 million tons. The most advanced planting is in the northwestern region of the state. The wheat is germinating and in early vegetative development.

The states of Rio Grande do Sul and Parana are the two largest wheat producing states in Brazil and together, they produce approximately 90% of Brazil’s wheat.

Oats is the second largest planted winter crop in the state at 365,080 hectares (901,700 acres). The oat crop is germinating and in early vegetative development with a low incidence of insect or disease pressure. The oat yield in the state is expected to be 2,340 kg/ha.

Canola is a relatively new crop in the state and farmers are expected to plant 67,200 hectares of canola (165,900 acres). Emater reported that 88% of the canola had been planted and that 97% was in vegetative development and 7% flowering. The statewide canola yield is estimated at 1,632 kg/ha. Insect pressure is building on the canola and farmers have taken preventative measures.

Lastly, farmers in the state are expected to plant 35,900 hectares (88.670 acres) of barley with an estimated yield of 3,144 kg/ha. The start of barley planting was delayed due to wet conditions, but the emergence has been good and the plant stands are uniform.

Tags: oats, Rio Grande do Sul, winter crops, barley, planting, Brazil, canola, estimate, wheat, yield