Soybean Yields Disappoint in Southern Mato Grosso do Sul

With 80% of the soybeans harvested in the municipality of Laguna Carapa in southern Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazilian farmers are disappointed with their 2023/24 soybean yields. Local agronomists are estimating the yields in the region at 40 sacks per hectare (35 bu/ac) with some as low as 30 sacks per hectare (27 bu/ac). This is much lower than originally anticipated at the start of the growing season. The statewide soybean yield in Mato Grosso do Sul in 2022/23 was 62 sacks per hectare (55 bu/ac).

Hot and dry weather at the start of the growing season delayed the soybean planting and more hot and dry weather from mid-December into early January impacted the soybeans as the crop was filling pods.

Irregular distribution of rainfall is disrupting the planting of the safrinha corn after the soybeans are harvested. Where the rainfall has been more abundant, the safrinha corn was planted on time and the crop is in vegetative development. In other areas, farmers are still waiting for adequate soil moisture to plant their safrinha corn.

For the corn that is in vegetative development, farmers are reporting increased pressure from stink bugs and corn leafhoppers, which will require multiple application of insecticides increasing the cost of production.

Tags: soybeans, yields, harvested, safrinha corn