Jan 12, 2024
Early Soybean Harvest Underway in Paraguay, Yields Variable
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
The initial soybean harvest in Paraguay is underway. According to the president of the Soybean and Grain Producers Association of Paraguay (APS), less than 2% of the soybeans have been harvested and the harvest pace will accelerate within 10 days.
A wide range in yields is expected between the earlier planted and later planted soybeans. The earlier planted soybeans, which are currently being harvested, encountered excessive moisture during planting and early crop development and the yields are expected to be in the range of 1,500 to 3,500 kg/ha (22.3 to 52 bu/ac).
Rainfall began to decline in mid-December and since then there have been irregular light showers with poor coverage. Farmers are concerned that if heavier rains do not materialize within the next 10 days, yields of the later soybeans could be impacted. The later soybeans will need at least 30 mm of rainfall (1.2 inches) on a weekly basis to maintain the current yield potential.
The later planted and longer maturity soybeans are currently filling pods, and if significant rainfall occurs, yields could be in the range of 3,500 to 4,000 kg/ha (52 to 59 bu/ac). If it remains dry for the next ten days, irreversible yield losses could start to occur.