Farmers in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have planted 90-92% of their anticipated soybean acreage, but it is uncertain if all the anticipated soybeans will eventually be planted according to the vice-president of Aprosoja/RS.
Rainfall in the state since September has been more than 1000 mm (40 inches) above average leaving many low-lying areas saturated and unable to be planted. It is already late to be planting soybeans in the state and the vice-president estimates that 6-8% of the initial soybean acreage may not get planted to soybeans.
The excessive rainfall this growing season is in stark contrast to the severe drought the state experienced during the 2022/23 growing season.
Normally, the soybean production in the state is in the range of 20-22 million tons. The 2022/23 soybean production was cut to 10.5-11.0 million tons due to the drought. The vice-president is estimating the 2023/24 soybean production in the state in the range of 19-22 million tons.
