Climatic conditions affect corn harvest in Rio Grande do Sul, points out Emater-RS

Humidity and cloudiness continue to be major challenges for corn harvesting in Rio Grande do Sul, directly affecting grain maturation and the moisture content required for the operation. Regions such as Serra, Campos de Cima da Serra, Central and Campanha have faced significant qualitative damage, making the grains unsuitable for use and commercialization due to the presence of fungi, mycotoxins and germination on the cob. The information is from Emater-RS.

According to the latest data, the corn harvest increased by just 1% compared to the previous week, reaching 93% of the cultivated area in the state. In the Bagé region, the harvest reached 87% of the total cultivated area, with around 8 thousand hectares remaining on small properties, mainly intended for subsistence. In Candiota, excess humidity caused grains to germinate on the cob in some crops.

Situation by region

• Bagé region: Harvest has advanced to 87%, with 8 thousand hectares still in the field. The region faces problems with excessive humidity that causes grain germination.

• Caxias do Sul: around 15% of the crops remain to be harvested, which is equivalent to approximately 13 thousand hectares. The unharvested areas present significant losses in grain volume and quality, with an average yield of 6.590 kg/ha.

• Erechim: the harvest has been completed, and producers are already preparing for the next harvest, which depends on market prices.

• Ijuí: The harvest is close to the end, but the harvested grains have high humidity and estimated losses of between 20% and 30%.

• Pellets: The harvest did not advance, remaining at 40% of the cultivated area. Productivity is at 2.578 kg/ha, but may reduce further due to continuous rains.

• Saint pink: with 96% of the area harvested, average productivity fell to 5.520 kg/ha, a 35% reduction compared to the initial expectation of 8.590 kg/ha. The region has already started the pre-funding process for the 2024/2025 harvest.

• Soledade: The harvest of safrinha corn is made difficult by climate instability, with 70% of crops harvested, 18% in maturation and 12% in grain filling. The high moisture content of the grains requires a long dry period for drying before storage. Demand for Proagro increased due to floods and leafhopper attacks.