Barley harvest advances in Rio Grande do Sul

The harvested area of ​​barley was expanded in Rio Grande do Sul, with significant growth in Alto Uruguai and Planalto Médio. According to the Informativo Conjuntural released today (31/10), the cultivation projection indicated by Emater/RS is 34.429 hectares and productivity of 3.245 kg/ha. The results are variable, but most of the product being harvested should present germination rates slightly below 95%, the minimum standard required for the beer industry. 

In the Frederico Westphalen region, where around 90% of the crop was harvested, production is being sold to the malt industry. Current productivity expectations remain at 2.700 kg/ha.

In Ijuí, the crop is in full harvest, having finished in 55% of the area, but the yields are below expectations, varying between 2.000 and 3.300 kg/ha. In most of the region, the harvested product has a germination rate between 85% and 88%, considered unsuitable for malting, resulting in the product being destined for animal feed.

Wheat

The wheat harvest continued at a fast pace, as producers extended their work shifts in order to anticipate the rains forecast for October 24, when operations were temporarily suspended. In areas with flatter topography, the interruption continued in the following days due to the persistence of excessive moisture in the soil. The harvested area represents 10% of the cultivated area. According to data from Emater/RS, the cultivated area is 48 hectares, and the expected productivity remains at 1.312.488 kg/ha. 

The crops being harvested, located in the Planalto and Alto Uruguai regions, present more suitable conditions and a higher proportion of grains with quality within commercial standards. In the Central, Western Border, Northwest and Middle Planalto regions, the quality of the harvested product is below the desired level. 

Soybean

The period saw an intensification of soybean planting, which expanded from 3% to 10% of the area projected for the 2024/2025 Harvest, estimated at 6.811.344 hectares, with an average productivity of 3.179 kg/ha. The evolution occurred especially on large properties and in areas where there is no wheat to harvest or rice to sow. 

The sown crops are showing rapid and uniform emergence. The plant stand of the crops is considered satisfactory so far, reflecting the good soil moisture and temperature conditions. Most producers are still focused on harvesting and drying wheat, oat, canola and pasture stubble, aiming at soybean planting in November. 

Emater/RS continues to advise soybean farmers to pay attention to the maturation cycle of the cultivars to be used and to classify the soil according to the water available for sowing. These measures serve to ensure that plantings are carried out within the preferred or lowest risk window, according to Proagro guidelines, and thus meet the requirements for coverage of possible future losses.

Vegetable crops 

In the administrative region of Emater/RS in Ijuí, the climate remains favorable for the development of vegetables. The onion crop, although cultivated in a small area, is finishing its cycle faster than normal due to the attack of thrips and the rotting of the bulbs.

Cucurbits are developing very well, especially cucumbers, but there is a high incidence of whiteflies. Cabbage rot has been reduced, but there is a high incidence of diamondback moths. There were no plant losses in the early stages of development or during seedling establishment. Prices are stable in all markets in the region.

Fruit crops 

In the administrative region of Emater/RS in Bagé, São Gabriel, watermelon producers must complete the transfer of seedlings to the fields. The area cultivated with the fruit in this harvest is estimated at 75 hectares.

In the already established crops, crop development is satisfactory, and crop management is focused on managing powdery mildew, which has appeared in some areas. In Quaraí, the vineyards are developing excellently, benefiting from the sunny climate and occasional rainfall. Producers apply fungicides to prevent disease management, along with the application of foliar fertilizers.