RS 2024/25 Harvest: climate boosts winter crops

Wheat crops in Rio Grande do Sul continue to progress satisfactorily, benefiting from good soil moisture, mild temperatures, and increased solar radiation in recent weeks. The situation was detailed in the Informativo Conjuntural (Conjuncture Newsletter), released by Emater/RS this Thursday (August 21).

According to the survey, 92% of wheat crops are in vegetative development, while 8% are already advancing towards stalk elongation and the beginning of flowering, mainly in the Western region. The plants display intense green coloration, well-expanded leaves, and adequate stand density, indicating good performance so far.

Current conditions favor tillering and health maintenance, although there are occasional reports of powdery mildew and leaf spot in susceptible areas. These cases are already being preventatively controlled with fungicide applications. Yield expectations remain positive, especially in areas managed with higher-tech technologies. However, crops with lower investment continue to face uneven stands and the presence of narrow-leaf weeds, the control of which increases production costs.

The area cultivated with wheat in the State is estimated at 1.198.276 hectares, with an average productivity projected at 2.997 kg/ha.

White oats

The white oat crop is also performing well, supported by mild temperatures, adequate solar radiation, and regular rainfall in recent weeks. Crops vary between tillering and grain filling stages, with the reproductive phase predominating. Emater/RS estimates 401.273 hectares under cultivation, with an average yield of 2.254 kg/ha.

Canola

Canola development is considered uneven, a result of both differences in planting times and adverse weather conditions in July, such as frost and excessive rainfall in some areas. Despite localized losses, the crop remains promising, maintaining its production potential. The planted area in the state is projected at 203.206 hectares, with an expected yield of 1.737 kg/ha.

Barley

Barley has shown strong performance this season, driven by recent weather conditions, which include mild temperatures, good water availability, and adequate solar radiation. These factors have favored uniformity of stands, good plant color, and balanced development, creating a positive scenario for maintaining production potential.