RS 2025/26 Harvest: Dry weather raises concerns about soybeans.

The summer harvest in Rio Grande do Sul continues to be marked by contrasts between good crop development and growing concern about irregular rainfall. According to the Emater/RS Conjunctural Report No. 1904, released this Thursday (January 29), soybeans maintain high productive potential, but are already showing isolated signs of water stress in more sensitive areas. Corn harvesting is progressing, with variable yields, while rice, beans, and horticultural crops are showing different behavior depending on the region and management.

Soybean

Soybean planting has reached 98% of the planned area in the state and should be completed in the coming days, as soil moisture is replenished. Currently, 42% of the crops are in the vegetative phase, 46% in flowering, and 12% in grain filling.

High temperature fluctuations, dry weather, high solar radiation, and frequent winds have intensified soil moisture loss. In crops that are flowering and beginning to fill the grain, especially in shallow or sandy soils, physiological signs of stress are already being observed, with a risk of impacting pod set if water restriction persists.

Despite this, Emater/RS assesses that the productive potential remains high, contingent on regular rainfall. The hot and dry climate has limited foliar diseases, but preventive applications against Asian soybean rust are still necessary, especially in areas in the reproductive stage. There is a localized increase in stink bugs, thrips, and mites, requiring monitoring.

For the 2025/26 harvest, the projection is for 6,74 million hectares cultivated, with an average productivity of 3.180 kg/ha. In the market, the average price of a 60 kg bag fell 1,56% during the week, to R$ 121,22.

Corn

Corn exhibits diverse phenological phases depending on staggered planting. Crops in the grain-filling stage (25%) and physiological maturity stage (28%) predominate. The scarcity of rain accelerated senescence in rainfed areas, potentially reducing grain weight, while high solar radiation favored crops with good water availability, especially irrigated ones.

Harvesting has reached 28% of the area, with yields ranging from average to high, depending on rainfall distribution and technological level. Producers report a significant presence of corn leafhoppers in some regions.

Emater/RS estimates an area of ​​785 hectares and an average productivity of 7.370 kg/ha. The average price per sack fell 2,28%, to R$ 60,00.

Corn silage

Harvesting has surpassed 40% of the planted area, favored by dry weather. Productivity expectations are positive, even better than those initially estimated for later-planted areas. The projected area is 366 hectares, with a productivity of 38.338 kg/ha.

Bean

In the first crop season, planting is practically complete and harvesting exceeds 60% in several regions, with crops well sanitized. Despite this, prices remain considered low by producers, which may reduce the area planted in the second crop season. The price per sack increased by 11,36% weekly, reaching R$ 122,50.

The second crop has begun planting, with approximately 15% of the area already planted. The projected area is 11,7 hectares.

Rice

Rice crops are currently in the vegetative development stage (57%), flowering (34%), and grain-filling (9%). High solar radiation favors development, but minimum temperatures below 15°C, and even below 10°C in some regions, increase the risk of spikelet sterility.

Water conditions are still considered adequate, although there has been a reduction in river and dam levels. The estimated area is 920 hectares, with a projected productivity of 8.752 kg/ha. The average price per 50 kg bag fell 2,85%, to R$ 52,16.

vegetables and fruits

In vegetable crops, lettuce is experiencing heat-related losses in some regions, while onions are still being harvested, with low prices for producers. Tomatoes showed a slight price increase for larger fruits, but are still below the level needed to cover costs.

In fruit farming, citrus fruits are showing good overall development, although a smaller harvest is expected for some cultivars. The Eva apple harvest is progressing well with good acceptance, and the start of the Gala harvest is putting pressure on prices. In strawberries, high temperatures are harming flowering and fruit quality, with sporadic reports of spotted wing fly and prices varying according to quality and sales channel.