Farmers in Northwestern Parana Report Very Low Soybean Yields

After one of the harshest droughts in recent memory in southern Brazil, farmers in the municipality of Guaira in northwestern Parana, are reporting extremely low soybean yields. Approximately 70% of the soybeans have been harvested and yield losses are in the rang of 90% according to a survey conducted by the Rural Union of Guaira/PR.

The president of the Rural Union reported that the yields in many fields were as low as 2-3 sacks per hectare (1.7-2.6 bu/ac) and that other fields were not even harvested because the production would not cover the cost of harvesting. The highest yields in the municipality are in the range of 10-12 sacks per hectare (8.7-10.7 bu/ac).

In addition to low yields, the few soybeans that are harvested are very poor quality and heavily discounted at the grain elevator. For many farmers in the municipality, this year’s soybean production will not even cover the land rent, much less the production cost.

Farmers in the region are hoping for a better outcome from the safrinha corn which many are planting in dry soil ahead of forecasted rains. This is a risky proposition, but it is already late for planting safrinha corn and they are desperate to generate some income from this growing season. Safrinha corn planted this late runs the risk of low yields due to dry weather and the potential early onset of cold weather and frosts.

Soybean & Corn Advisor

Tags: Brazil, soybean, Production, yields, harvested, Parana