Record grain and soybean yields in Brazil for second consecutive season

Brazil is set to harvest a record grain crop for the second consecutive season, according to updated estimates from the national supply company Conab. Total grain production in the 2025/26 season is forecast to reach 354.8 million tons, surpassing last year’s record by 2.9 million tons and reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global agricultural producer.

The growth is driven by a 3.3% expansion of sown areas to 84.4 million hectares. Soybeans (177.6 million tons) and corn (138.8 million tons) remain the core of Brazil’s crop structure, while substantial volumes are also expected for rice (11.3 million tons) and pulses (3.1 million tons). Analysts at Itaú BBA note that the main driver of further expansion is the conversion of degraded pastures into cropland.

Soybean acreage in Brazil has been rising for 18 consecutive years, and the potential for further growth remains significant. According to Soybean and Corn Advisor, up to 28 million hectares of pastureland are suitable for conversion, which could expand soybean area by an additional 59%. The soybean production outlook remains at 177 million tons compared with 170 million tons last season, although planting progress is slightly slower: as of November 9, 47% of the planned area had been sown, 7% below last year’s pace.

Export activity is also strengthening. The National Association of Grain Exporters (ANEC) reports that Brazil’s soybean exports in November are expected to reach 4.26 million tons—higher than the estimate released a week earlier. This reflects steady global demand for Brazilian oilseeds and the country’s growing influence on international markets.

Tags: corn, Brazil, soybean, crop forecast