PR 2024/25 Harvest: 2nd harvest corn production will be a record

The progress of the second corn harvest in Paraná is confirming the forecast for record production, now set at 17,06 million tons. If this forecast holds, it will even exceed the initial estimate of 16,8 million tons. So far, approximately 64% of the 2,77 million hectares planted have been harvested.

The first crop, which has already been fully harvested, yielded just over 3 million tons, which would raise the state's corn volume in the 2024/25 harvest to exceed 20 million tons at this time. The numbers are part of the Subjective Harvest Forecast (PSS), released this Thursday (31) by the Department of Rural Economy (Deral), of the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply.

"In a way, it was a surprise because we had indications that it might be lower due to the effects of the frost at the end of June, but the numbers revealed another reality: we saw an increase in production," said Edmar Gervásio, the department's crop analyst.

According to him, this is partly due to the area adjustment, albeit minimal, but the main factor is that the harvested areas, which were not as affected by the weather, had significantly higher productivity than expected. "They more than offset the losses that occurred in other regions due to the heat waves and drought in February and the subsequent frosts," Gervásio reflected.

The analyst estimates that the approximately 30% remaining to be harvested in the State, particularly in the North region, may have lower productivity, but not enough to decisively reverse the situation.

“It is now possible to state, with a certain degree of certainty, that this is the largest harvest in history, both in terms of volume and cultivated area, even with the prospect that the remaining crops in the North region will have lower-than-expected productivity,” he said.

The Brazilian corn harvest is also expected to be a record, with 132 million tons estimated by Conab – National Supply Company.

"For the economy as a whole, the lower price is beneficial because it still pays the producer. This will likely impact protein, with possible price reductions or maintenance, as production costs should be lower," Gervásio added. "All supply chains that depend on corn will be supplied."

Bean 

The Paraná bean harvest has been completed since mid-July, with 862 tons. "There was a slight adjustment in area since the last report, from 328,2 hectares to 327,6 hectares, which also reduced production by 3 tons, but the state still maintained its record production," said agronomist Carlos Hugo Godinho.

Coffee 

According to Godinho, the coffee harvest is progressing well, with over 80% of the 25,4-hectare area already harvested. "The dry days helped both harvest faster and dry the coffee on the terraces. Productivity is very close to the upper limit we expected," he emphasized. Currently, 1.752 kilograms are harvested per hectare.

Paraná's coffee production isn't as significant compared to the domestic market, estimated at 44,5 tons. "But we have significant production of instant coffee, and it's concerning that this coffee isn't exempt from the additional tariffs imposed by the United States," he said. "But the market must address this because the United States has few alternatives to Brazilian coffee."

Wheat 

The July Subjective Crop Forecast indicates a planted area of 833 hectares, with an expected production of 2,61 million tons. This volume represents a slight adjustment compared to the 2,68 million tons forecast in June. "The frosts caused this impact, which is still relatively limited due to the difficulty in measuring the effects on the crops," stated Godinho.

According to him, in the North region, which experiences the greatest problems, an estimated 84 tons will be lost compared to a potential 880. Other regions were also affected, especially crops planted outside the zoning zone. "The numbers may still vary significantly, given the uncertainty regarding the extent of the damage to the plants," he noted.

Other winter crops 

Among the winter crops in the field, barley was not impacted by the frost. On the contrary, there was a revision of the area, which now extends to 98,9 hectares, which could increase production to 431,7 tons. Even so, the state will need to import the product. "The industrial park for processing malt has grown at a faster pace than the crops," stated Godinho.

Oat crops suffered losses due to frost, but due to the nature of the crop in Paraná, where only a portion of what is planted is typically harvested, the impact should be minimal. Some regions may experience losses, which are offset in other locations. The estimated harvest is just over 245 tons of both black and white oats.

Vegetable crops 

The 2024/25 second potato harvest is estimated at 315,6 tons. So far, 90% of the 10,6-hectare area has been harvested, with harvesting expected to be completed in the coming days. The first-season tomato crop is practically completely harvested, with an estimated 1 tons. For the second season, 174,2% of the 2-hectare area remains to be planted. The harvest has reached 2%, with a forecast yield of 1,7 tons.

The 2025/26 onion harvest is estimated at 108 tons, representing a 16,3% decrease compared to the previous harvest of 126,1 tons. As of the beginning of this week, 85,3% of the estimated 2,8 hectares had been planted. The crops are 91% in good condition, with the remainder in average condition.