RS Harvest 2025/26: Wheat harvest progresses at a moderate pace.

Wheat harvesting in Rio Grande do Sul is progressing gradually, reaching 42% of the cultivated area, according to the Conjunctural Report released by Emater/RS this Thursday (November 6th). This figure is lower than the average of the last five harvests, which for the same period is 64%.

The alternation between rainy periods and mild temperatures in September and October prolonged the vegetative and grain formation phases, resulting in slower crop maturation. Currently, 36% of the areas are in physiological maturity, 20% in grain filling, and 2% are still in flowering, indicating later development compared to previous years.

Despite the delay, weather conditions have favored grain weight and ear uniformity. Industrial quality remains within ideal standards for breadmaking and milling. Initial yields range between 2.800 and 3.500 kg/ha, depending on soil fertility and sowing time. The total wheat area in the state is estimated at 1,14 million hectares, with a projected average yield of 3.261 kg/ha.

Other winter crops

White oat harvesting is in full swing in the main producing regions, with productivity within expectations, even with occasional variations caused by differences in management and weather conditions. Grain quality is considered good, with satisfactory pH and uniformity, favoring industrial use. The cultivated area is estimated at 393.252 hectares, and the average productivity at 2.445 kg/ha.

Canola is entering the final stretch of its cycle, with 27% of the crops maturing and 70% of the area already harvested. On farms with better management and the use of adapted cultivars, yields exceed 2.400 kg/ha; however, in areas affected by excessive rainfall or with less investment, productivity falls below 1.500 kg/ha. Emater/RS estimates 176.076 hectares cultivated and an average productivity of 1.659 kg/ha.

Barley is also being harvested, with 30% of the area already harvested. The grains show adequate size and germination, but there has been an increase in microbial defects (MD) due to high humidity. Despite the slight reduction in germination power, the product still meets the standards required for malting. The estimated area is 31.613 hectares, with an average productivity of 3.458 kg/ha.

Summer crops

Soybean planting is uneven across the state, impacted by the prolonged cycle of winter crops and irregular rainfall. To date, 14% of the planned 6,74 million hectares have been sown. Regions with more regular rainfall are showing better progress, and producers are waiting for more rain to intensify planting until mid-December.

However, there is a reduction in investments in fertilizers and inputs due to high costs and limited credit, which may be reflected in average yields — estimated at 3.180 kg/ha.

Corn planting has reached 77% of the projected area in the state, benefiting from the return of rains, which replenished soil moisture and allowed sowing to resume. Approximately 90% of the crops are in the vegetative phase, and 10% are already beginning tasseling and flowering. The plant stand is satisfactory, and the crops show good productive potential, with an estimated yield of 7.370 kg/ha across 785.030 hectares.

Corn planting for silage is proceeding at a staggered pace. In the Campanha region, producers are dividing planting into two stages—between October and November, and between December and January—to reduce risks associated with the La Niña phenomenon. In Alto Uruguai, progress is greater, especially in crops that received organic fertilization. The area destined for silage is expected to reach 366.067 hectares, with a productivity of 38.338 kg/ha.

Rice cultivation is progressing gradually, with the average planted area between 40% and 60% in the main producing regions, and above 90% in the most advanced areas. The crops show good stand and vigor, and planting should extend until the beginning of December in areas affected by excess moisture. The state is expected to cultivate 920.081 hectares, with an estimated productivity of 8.752 kg/ha, according to Emater/RS and Irga.

The first-season bean crop shows good vegetative development in most regions, favored by rains that have restored soil moisture. In the most advanced areas, the beginning of flowering and pod filling is observed. The projected area is 26.096 hectares, with an average productivity of 1.779 kg/ha.

Pastures

The native grasslands are in the regrowth phase, and the oat and common ryegrass pastures are in the reproductive phase, while the tetraploid ryegrasses are in the vegetative phase. Production and quality are considered satisfactory.

Summer species are in the planting phase, benefiting from a relatively regular rainfall regime, although some areas have faced low sunlight and dry periods that prolonged the forage gap.

Many producers took advantage of the period to produce hay and silage, ensuring strategic feed reserves for the herd during the seasonal transition.