PR 2024/25 Harvest: Frosts Compromise Corn Productivity

According to the weekly bulletin of the Department of Rural Economy (Deral), released this Tuesday (15), the week between July 8 and 14 was marked by stable weather in practically the entire state, favoring the advancement of harvests and the planting of winter crops. However, the impacts of frost and temperature fluctuations are still felt in several crops.

the harvest of corn second harvest reached 40% of the state's planted area. Although productivity is within expectations in many regions, crops affected by the drought at the beginning of the season and the most recent frosts are experiencing significant losses. Some areas designated for silage suffered total losses, while others show undesirable uniformity, which can concentrate the harvest and compromise grain quality.

the harvest of café reached 57% and continues to benefit from the dry weather. Although some crops were affected by frost and excessive rainfall during ripening, the quality of the coffee has surpassed that of the previous year. The incidence of leaf miner was also higher this year, reflecting the drought recorded in January.

With 99% of the areas already planted, the wheat and barley advance to the development phase. Barley, in particular, presents good tillering, but requires care due to fungal diseases such as net spot and brown spot, which require preventive and curative measures.

As vegetables, especially leafy greens, suffered from severe frost followed by rain, which drove up market prices—in some cases, like lettuce, prices doubled. Producers have already begun replanting the affected areas. pastures were also severely affected, with loss of green mass and the need for supplemental feeding with silage, which has increased the costs of livestock production.

Other cultures

• 2nd harvest beans: harvest ended with productivity within expectations, despite the decline in grain quality in some areas.
• Potato: 86% harvested, with productivity threatened in areas affected by rain.
• Sugar cane: harvest continues normally, with average productivity.
• Cassava: harvesting and planting of the new crop are progressing with the support of dry weather.
• Oats: satisfactory development in most areas, but pastures were compromised by frost.
• Orange and alfalfa: harvesting and processing proceed without incident.
• Chayote: harvest ended after frost.