RS 2025/26 Harvest: Drought reduces soybean potential

Drought and high temperatures have reduced the productive potential of soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul and put pressure on corn during critical stages. The water deficit increased reproductive losses, favored pests, and limited the planting of the second crop. The data is from Emater/RS.

Soybeans occupy 6.742.236 hectares in the 2025/2026 growing season. The crop is progressing through the reproductive stages. 42% are in flowering and 39% in grain filling. Temperatures reached 40°C in the Missões region. The dry weather caused wilting, premature senescence, flower and pod abortion, and reduced leaf area. Losses are already affecting areas that faced water scarcity during the yield determination period.

In the Bagé region, the drought has intensified. In Santana do Livramento, 50% of the flowering crops are experiencing significant losses due to flower abortion. In Manoel Viana, losses reach up to 60% in the most affected areas. The average municipal reduction reaches 25%. In São Borja, losses reach 20%. In São Gabriel, 5%.

In Frederico Westphalen, water deficit caused significant loss of leaf area, premature senescence, and abortion of flowers and pods. The average reduction in productivity can reach 30% and up to 50% in critical areas. Soybeans planted after corn are experiencing establishment failures.

In Santa Rosa, there are losses in grain-filling areas and risks in flowering areas. Technicians are registering cases of Asian soybean rust. Producers are carrying out scheduled fungicide applications. The dry period reduced fungal diseases in parts of the state, but favored mites and thrips. There are also stink bug control measures. Phytosanitary management has suffered climatic restrictions.

Corn situation

Corn occupies 785.030 hectares. The harvest has reached 50%. The remaining crops are divided between maturation, grain filling, flowering, and vegetative phases. Drought and heat have affected tasseling, pollination, and grain filling. Areas with lower water retention are accumulating more significant losses.

The corn leafhopper has increased its incidence in several regions. Technicians have intensified monitoring. There are isolated reports of fall armyworm. In Frederico Westphalen, productivity expectations already indicate a 5% reduction and could reach 30% in the most affected areas. The region is registering a high incidence of leafhoppers. In Ijuí and Pelotas, traps indicate an increase in the capture of the insect.

In Soledade, the drought has influenced the productivity of early-maturing corn, which ranges from 4.200 to 10.800 kg/ha under rainfed conditions. The region is experiencing a high incidence of leafhoppers and sporadic occurrences of fall armyworms.

Rice situation

Rice occupies 891.908 hectares, following a review of the area by Irga. The projected productivity reaches 8.752 kg/ha. The crop is currently 44% in flowering and 28% in grain filling. Another 24% is in vegetative development and 4% is beginning maturation. Long periods of sunshine have favored performance. However, temperatures above 35°C during flowering increase the risk of spikelet sterility and yield loss.

In Pelotas, 52% of the crops are in bloom. Producers report concern about the impact of the heat on productivity and grain quality. In Santa Maria, about 70% of the areas are advancing in the reproductive phase. Technicians point to apprehension about low water levels in reservoirs and watercourses. In Soledade, monitoring and control of stink bugs and blast disease continues, in addition to irrigation management.

Bean situation

The first-crop bean harvest is nearing completion in several regions. Low rainfall has favored the work. Technicians have suspended nitrogen topdressing due to low moisture and the risk of volatilization. The projected area totals 26.096 hectares, with an estimated productivity of 1.779 kg/ha.

In the second crop season, planting exceeds 5 hectares. More than 95% of the areas remain in vegetative development. Producers report discouragement due to falling prices. The projected area totals 11.690 hectares, with an estimated productivity of 1.401 kg/ha.