Soybean harvest surpasses 50% in the Cerrado region of Bahia, according to Aiba

The Bahia Farmers and Irrigators Association (Aiba) released this Thursday (19) the third survey of the 2025/26 crop, confirming the progress of the soybean harvest in the Bahia Cerrado. Of the 2,218 million hectares planted with the oilseed, more than 50% of the area has already been harvested.

The estimated average productivity is around 68 sacks per hectare, with a total expected production of 9,049 million tons. These figures reinforce the leading role of soybeans, the state's main agricultural crop.

Climate and management support performance.

Despite the frequent rains in recent weeks, which have hampered field operations, phytosanitary monitoring and the use of good agricultural practices have helped maintain crop performance.

According to Aloísio Júnior, agribusiness manager at Aiba, the teams continue to closely monitor the incidence of end-of-cycle diseases and possible anomalies, intensified after the recent rainfall.

He emphasizes that, even in the face of a less attractive market scenario and high costs, producers maintain consistent levels of productivity, supported by soil management, genetics, biotechnology, and investments in technology.

Rain impacts harvest pace.

Excess moisture continues to limit the faster progress of the harvest and favors the emergence of diseases. According to Aiba's technical advisor, Orestes Mandelli, the current rate is 51% of the area harvested.

"The harvest started slowly due to the rains, but it should pick up pace in the coming days, with improved weather conditions expected," he says. He emphasizes that average productivity remains close to that recorded in the previous harvest, with good potential in areas not yet harvested.

Producer faces costs and global scenario.

The National Supply Company (Conab), which is part of Aiba's Technical Council, is also monitoring the crop's development. According to analyst Joctâ Couto, the experience of Bahia's producers has been crucial in overcoming climatic and market challenges.

The international landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions, also influences the sector. The increase in input costs, especially those related to oil, requires greater planning on the part of producers.

“The challenges are different each year. Even with this context, producers in MATOPIBA seek solutions and continue to produce well,” says rural producer Dhone Dugnani.

Planning and the next harvest

The president of Aiba, Moisés Schmidt, reinforces the need to pay attention to the global scenario and the financial flow of the properties. "It is fundamental to produce with planning and professionalism to maintain competitiveness," he emphasizes.

With the harvest progressing, producers in the region are already starting or preparing to plant the second crop. Among the prominent crops are corn, sorghum, millet, beans, and brachiaria grass, as well as castor beans on a smaller scale, especially in irrigated areas.