Research on cultivars boosts productivity at Copacol.

Productivity gains through cultivar research were one of the main highlights of the 35th Copacol Summer Field Day, which brought together approximately 1,5 visitors, including cooperative members, technicians, and researchers. The event showcased exclusive studies developed by the Agricultural Research Center (CPA) and reinforced the role of applied research in preparing producers for more assertive decisions in the field.

According to Copacol's CEO, Valter Pitol, the Field Day is an opportunity to bring technical knowledge closer to the reality of the farms. “It is very important to welcome our cooperative members to share new developments and technologies that, when applied, result in better productivity. Furthermore, we seek to align the technical vision with the commercial one, as these factors go hand in hand in the pursuit of better results,” he states.

Members highlighted the practical relevance of the event. For producer Cássio Henrique Moeller, from Jotaesse, the work developed by the CPA directly contributes to the evolution of the properties. “The CPA always helps us achieve better results, and events like the Field Day add knowledge and bring new ideas that make a difference in our daily work,” he says.

The event also featured the presence of the Secretary of Agriculture and Supply of Paraná, Márcio Nunes, who highlighted Copacol's role in strengthening the competitiveness of rural producers. “Copacol is one of the most important cooperatives in the world and does exemplary work with producers. The Field Day is an example of how the cooperative prepares farmers to be competitive, improve income, and ensure families remain in the countryside,” he stated.

Applied research in the field

Among the topics addressed in the technical sessions, soil compaction stood out due to its direct impacts on the production system. Agronomist and researcher at CPA, Andrei Regis Sulzbach, explained the use of the DRES (Rapid Soil Structure Diagnosis) method to identify the level of compaction and define the most appropriate management for each area. "This diagnosis allows us to indicate solutions such as the use of cover crops or adjustments to mechanized management, with a direct impact on crop development and productivity," he emphasizes.

Cooperative member Renato da Silva Tonelli, from Jesuítas, highlighted the importance of following the research. “Many problems we face in farming are already being studied by the CPA, and today we saw that there are solutions under development to minimize issues such as soil compaction,” he commented.

Another point of interest was the panel of soybean cultivars recommended by the CPA, with practical demonstrations at different planting times, fertilization levels, and regional management practices, as well as guidance on pest and disease control. "We presented the behavior of the cultivars under real field conditions, highlighting the importance of following technical recommendations based on practical tests," explains agricultural engineer André Luiz Borsoi.

For producer Lucas Antunes Jasper, from Cafelândia, the visual comparison facilitates decision-making. “We can see the cultivars side-by-side, which we then take to the field. This optimizes time and helps us to always seek greater productivity,” he states.

In addition to soybean cultivars, the Field Day addressed topics such as weeds and their hidden costs in the production system, challenges to high yields in second-crop corn, and soybean disease management strategies to preserve productive potential.

Market and profitability

The program also included a lecture on commodity market trends, given by StoneX Brazil consultant Étore Baroni. The goal was to broaden the cooperative members' understanding of marketing and profitability. "Many factors influence prices throughout the year. It's crucial to prepare producers to take advantage of the best opportunities, aligning high productivity levels with favorable market conditions," he emphasized.

The 35th Copacol Field Day reinforced the importance of research, management, and business planning as pillars for the sustainability and competitiveness of rural producers.