During full harvest, rain can compromise wheat quality

Wheat harvesting continues in the producing regions of Rio Grande do Sul and reaches 5% of the area. The crop has yields above 3,0 t/ha, but many producers are concerned about the recent rains, often intense, which could compromise the quality of the grain. According to the Emater/RS-Ascar Economic Information, in some municipalities in Missões, such as Santa Rosa, Santo Cristo, Tuparendi, Três de Maio and Doutor Maurício Cardoso, communication has already occurred to obtain Proagro (insurance). Given the continued rainfall, it is very likely that the same will occur in other municipalities. For now, 70% of wheat is in the grain filling phase and 15% is in maturation.

In corn, there is an increase in the number of plant stand reductions and uneven crop development. There was a delay in the application of nitrogen on top dressing and possible losses of this nutrient due to the excessive rainfall that occurred in recent days. In the Missões region, the implementation of crops is complete, with the majority of areas undergoing vegetative development and starting bolting. In the State, planting reaches 70% of the total planned for this year. From now on, the pace of corn sowing should be slower, and should be completed by the end of December, as producers begin to give preference to soybeans, whose planting has made little progress, due to the rains that occurred from the weekend onwards. . Therefore, it is estimated that the percentage does not exceed 1%.

Rice – Producers continued planting at least until last Saturday (15/10), when the return of rain paralyzed work. As a result, it is estimated that 55% have already been completed. The resumption of work will depend on the rain stopping, since, due to the intensity and volumes recorded, it caused the flooding of areas close to rivers and streams. It is likely that some areas will need to be replanted, as well as the rammed earth being redone due to the force of the water. The concern of rice farmers is the forecast of more rain for next week, which would cause further interruption of planting.
Potatoes - Producers benefiting from the supervised seed program of the Rosa Maçã variety have already planted the tubers in the Production and Northeast regions. The crops show good sprouting. With the expectation of maintaining the same production area as the previous year, production is intended for family consumption.
Plum – In Serra, the intensity and high number of cold hours are reflected in uniform sprouting and a high number of flowers and the setting is exceptional. Thus, the main cultural practice carried out at this time, fruit thinning, has required a lot of dedication and work. The time required for this operation has delayed entry into some orchards, delaying thinning at the appropriate point for the fruit. Plant health has remained quite good. Fruiting orchards that have already been thinned already receive nitrogen fertilizer top dressing, to thicken the fruits and lengthen the shoots.
Passion fruit – In the production areas of the municipalities of Morrinhos do Sul, Três Cachoeiras, Mampituba, Dom Pedro de Alcântara and Torres, sour yellow passion fruit producers are expanding the planting area for the 2016/2017 harvest; in Torres it should reach 120 hectares. The orchards are undergoing vegetative development and family farmers manage the cultivation.

FORAGE AND CREATIONS
The return of rain was positive for pastures and producers took advantage of the good soil moisture to plant summer annuals, such as sorghum and oats, which are in the emergency phase. In locations affected by hail, oat and ryegrass areas intended for seed harvesting occurred. Areas of silage corn are being sown and top dressing (nitrogen) is being carried out.
With the improvement in the production conditions of native fields and pastures and consequently of milk, the concern is with the possible flooding of lower areas and the high incidence of lightning, which always increases the risk of loss of animals in the field. In some regions, producers who used cultivated winter pastures, such as ryegrass, clovers and cornichão, managed to maintain the body condition of the animals and avoid a drop in production. Some producers who are using the paddock system in pastures have managed to make better use of forage.
Fish farming and artisanal fishing - In the Erechim region, the week was hot and had good rainfall, allowing phytoplankton to return to the tanks and fish to grow. Producers reserve fry and plan to repopulate the tanks. Live fish is being sold at markets for between R$8,00 and R$14,00/kg.