Nov 11, 2021
2021/22 Soybean Planting in Eastern Goias, Brazil Nearly Complete
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
In central Brazil, farmers in the municipality of Cristalina in eastern Goias are nearing completion of their 2021/22 soybean planting. The soybeans are 95% planted and this has been one of the best planting seasons in recent years.
The municipality has the highest number of center pivot irrigation systems in Brazil which allows farmers to start planting their soybeans as soon as the "soybean free" period ends. Early planting of soybeans is critical for allowing enough time to plant the safrinha corn within the ideal planting window. The planting of other summer crops such as corn and dry beans has also been positive.
According to the president of the Rural Union of Cristalina/GO, Alecio Marostica, the germination and emergence of the soybeans have been normal and farmers in the municipality should expect dryland soybean yields in the range of 58 sacks per hectare (51.8 bu/ac) and irrigated soybean yields in the range of 86 sacks per hectare (76.8 bu/ac).
Farmers are concerned about the soybean prices that have been declining in recent weeks. Several months ago, the forward price for soybeans was in the range of R$ 150.00 to R$ 155.00 per sack (approximately$12.60 to $13.00 per bushel), but the price has now declined to R$ 140.00 per sack (approximately $11.80 per bushel). Due to the increased costs of fertilizers and other inputs, farmers are concerned if they will be able to make a profit on their 2021/22 soybean production, especially if they end up with disappointing yields.
The increased production costs could also impact the safrinha corn crop which will be planted early next year. Marostica is advising farmers who have not yet purchased their inputs for the 2021/22 safrinha corn to consider substituting grain sorghum in the place of corn. Grain sorghum is cheaper to produce and it performs better than corn under reduced levels of fertilizers.