Sep 10, 2021
Conab Lowers 2020/21 Brazil Corn 0.91 mt to 85.74 Million Tons
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
In the twelfth evaluation of the 2020/21 growing season in Brazil, Conab lowered their estimate of the Brazilian corn crop by 0.91 million tons from 86.65 million in August to 85.74 million in September. Brazil's 2020/21 corn production is now down 16.83 million tons from last year's production of 102.5 million tons or 16.4%.
Most of the reduction was the result of lower safrinha corn production. Conab is now estimating the safrinha corn production at 59.47 million tons, which is down 0.85 million from their August estimate of 60.32 million. The safrinha corn yield continues to move lower and it is now estimated at 3,982 kg/ha (63.3 bu/ac). Last year, the safrinha corn yield was 5,456 kg/ha (86.7 bu/ac).
The full-season corn crop is estimated at 24.74 million tons and the third corn crop in northeastern Brazil is estimated at 1.53 million tons. The safrinha crop accounts for 69.3% of Brazil's total corn production with the full-season corn accounting for 28.8% and the third crop accounting for 1.7%.
The big disappointment for the 2020/21 growing season in Brazil has been the safrinha corn production. Even though the acreage increased 8.6% to 14.93 million hectares (36.87 million acres), the yields declined 27% compared to last year. The safrinha corn production is now down 15.5 million tons from last year or 20.8%.
Soybean production in Brazil was left essentially unchanged in Conab's September Crop Report at 135.9 million tons which is up 11.0 million tons from last year or 8.9%.
Starting with the October Crop Report, Conab will release their first estimates of the 2021/22 growing season.