News in brief: Brazil is anticipating a record-high soybean harvest of 288 million tonnes for the 2023/24 season, with robust soybean exports predicted. However, corn production is expected to drop due to reduced planting area, while the government addresses the decline by providing financial assistance to farmers.
Brazil is expecting a record-high soybean harvest for the 2023/24 season, with an estimated 288 million tonnes (317.5 million tons) to be produced, according to a news report quoting official figures.
Considering the previous season, there is a slight decrease but shows significant increase when compared to numbers from previous years.
It is important to note that these are expectations and analysts say that the final harvest figures may be higher or lower depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Brazil is also anticipating soybean export volumes to remain high in 2024 with oilseed shipments estimated to come in at around 92 million tonnes.
However, corn production is expected to drop to 107 million tonnes in the 2023/24 harvest due to a 4.8% reduction in the planted area and a similar decrease in average productivity. Exports of corn are forecast to drop by around 27% compared to the 2022/23 harvest.
Despite the drop in corn production, Conab president Edegar Pretto said that Brazil expects a good harvest overall. He said the country will have, at least, the second-largest harvest in its history.
Pretto added that it was necessary for his ministry to monitor the development of crops and the adjustments that will be made throughout the season which could result in the harvest’s production even surpassing that of the last harvest.
Brazil is currnetly one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of bth soybeans and corn. The country’s agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economy and this record soybean harvests and exports are expected to boost the economy in 2024.
However, the drop in corn production is a concern, as corn is a staple food for Brazilians and also used for animal feed, especially poultry. The government is taking steps to address the decline in corn production like providing financial assistance to farmers and encouraging them to plant more corn.
The record soybean harvest is also a positive sign for global food securit ensuring that there is enough food to feed the world’s growing population.
