Soybean planting advanced last week but remained behind schedule in Brazil

The planting progress was better last week in the Midwest region. However, overall, the pace remains behind schedule, especially in the MATOPIBA states (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia). This slowness is beginning to raise concerns, particularly regarding the need for replanting in some areas due to the delayed arrival of rain.

The current climate scenario concentrates rainfall from the center to the south of the country, which naturally favors crop progress in states such as Paraná and Santa Catarina, and, to a lesser extent, Rio Grande do Sul. On the other hand, the situation in the Northeast region is noteworthy: although there is still no significant compromise of productive potential, November becomes crucial, as a greater volume of rain is needed to ensure adequate crop development.

If rainfall remains irregular in the coming few weeks, some areas of MATOPIBA may face reduced productivity or a more significant need for replanting.

The planting is progressing and already accounts for approximately 46.2% of the total estimated area for soybeans. In the week earlier, the pace was around 34.1%, while in the same period of 2024 the rate was approximately 52.9%. On average, over the last five crops, the progress is close to 55%, which indicates a delay in some regions and planting windows.

This delay is beginning to attract attention, but if November presents good regularity in rainfall, as indicated by meteorological maps, the trend is toward a normalization of the planting pace. Even so, there is a possibility of replanting in specific areas, which may slightly reduce the total cultivated area. In general, the scenario remains one of good expectations for the crop, with conditions still favorable for the recovery of the planting pace and crop development in the coming weeks.

In Paraná, approximately 79% of the area destined for soybeans has been sown, equivalent to about 4.661 mln hectares planted, out of a total of 5.9 mln hectares estimated for the state. In the previous week, the rate was 61%. In the same period last year, the index was 77%, while the five-year average is 76.4%.

In Mato Grosso, out of a total area estimated at 12.83 mln hectares, about 76% has already been sown—equivalent to approximately 9.751 mln hectares. In the previous week, the rate was 59%. In the same period last year, the index was 80%, while the five-year average is 87.2%.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, approximately 66% of the area has already been sown, representing about 2.99 mln hectares of soybeans planted. In the previous week, the rate was 49%. In the same period of 2024, the progress was 65%, while the five-year average for this time of year is 66.6%.

In Goiás, about 35% of the total expected area of ​​4.93 mln hectares has been sown. In 2024, the rate was 63%, while the five-year average is 60%, indicating a more significant delay in this cycle.

In Minas Gerais, about 25% of the area has been planted, out of a total expected of 2.41 mln hectares. In 2024, in the same period, about 45% had been sown, while the five-year average is approximately 44.4%.

Climate maps indicate heavy rainfall concentrated in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil between November 2 and 8. In the Midwest states, precipitation is forecast for Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás.  Further to the Northeast, the maps do not yet indicate large volumes of rainfall for the week, although some spotty showers may occur in Tocantins.

Between November 9 and 15, the projections maintain good moisture levels, but with more moderate rainfall volumes. The highest levels continue to be concentrated in the Southeast and South regions, where the pattern of atmospheric instability is expected to persist.

Tags: precipitation, area, planting, rainfall, crop