Soybean harvest in Mato Grosso breaks productivity record

The 2024/25 harvest of soybean in Mato Grosso, record productivity was achieved. According to agronomic consultant Élcio Bonfada, from Fundação MT, the state harvested an average of 66,3 bags per hectare — a result 14 bags above the state average. The total production, in an area of ​​approximately 12,8 million hectares, expresses the productive potential of the region when climate, management and strategy are aligned. The information was presented during the 25th Soybean Technical Meeting, promoted by Fundação MT.

The cycle started late. Unstable rainfall at the beginning of the planting window created uncertainty. Producers began planting slowly, below the average of recent years. When the rains stabilized, planting progressed quickly. In just 10 to 15 days, a large part of the area was planted. Regions that grow cotton suffered the most from the delay, which should impact the second harvest, including corn.

During crop development, the weather proved to be an ally. After the drought and smoke that marked the previous harvest, the scenario was reversed. November, December and January brought wetter conditions, favoring plant growth. Despite this, the excess rain during the harvest caused losses. In several areas, ready soybeans remained in the field for up to 15 days, which reduced the weight of the grains and caused the pods to open.

Diseases such as target spot, anthracnose e grain rot were favored by high humidity levels and long periods of leaf wetness. Among the pests, bedbugs and White fly mainly put pressure on later crops.

Performance was balanced across the state's regions. The Middle North, North and West, historically more productive, maintained this profile. The Southeast saw a slight decline, but without major distortions. Stability across regions reinforces the consistency of productivity achieved.

In terms of management, the producer invested in the quality and frequency of fungicide applications. He also increased the control of nematodes and weeds, using pre-emergents. The combination of these strategies sustained crop performance.

Among the recurring obstacles, Bonfada mentioned specific difficulties in the supply of inputs and logistical challenges in the flow of production. In the area of ​​marketing, producers monitored the global scenario to make decisions, paying attention to production costs.

For the consultant, the main lesson from the harvest comes from the state's own potential. The combination of planning, attention to operational details and favorable weather allows for high levels of productivity to be achieved. The guidance now is to look within the farm and adjust each stage of the production system, from planting to harvesting.