Corn harvest continues in RS

These first harvested areas present lower-than-expected productivity, consolidating losses in the northernmost areas of the State. According to the Conjunctural Information, produced and released this Thursday (28/01) by the Planning Management of Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (Seapdr), in regions with high humidity and little sunlight, the week's weather conditions were not very favorable to the crop, which has 20% in germination and vegetative development, 14% in flowering, 23% in grain filling and 16% in maturation.

In the region of Soledade, in the Baixo Vale do Rio Pardo, the corn harvest has just started and reaches 1% of the cultivated area. Productivity varies depending on the volumes of rain that the crops received throughout the cycle and also depending on the technological management used in the formation and management of the crops. Some harvested crops reached yields of 7.800 kilos per hectare. However, in isolated cases of crops most affected by drought, recorded productivity was less than 3.600 kilos; In general, the average productivity of early crops exceeds six thousand kilos per hectare. Crops with later plantings – in vegetative development, flowering and grain filling – resume development with the improvement in soil moisture content; Most of these crops have excellent production potential.

The rainfall that has been occurring in recent days favors the uniformity and development of soybean crops in Rio Grande do Sul. The reproduction of the crop is benefiting from the climate, increasing the percentage of crops in the reproductive phase: 36% are in flowering, 17 % in grain filling and 1% in maturation. The remaining 46% are still in germination and vegetative development.

In the Santa Rosa region, soybean crops are developing well in most municipalities, even with below-average rainfall. Part of the areas entered the reproductive stage, a critical period for defining the productive potential of the crop and which demands volume and regularity in rainfall. This worries producers, as forecasts indicate that in February and March rainfall will continue to be below average. Regarding pests, there are no records of major outbreaks; Only isolated outbreaks of caterpillars and stink bugs occur, being controlled in areas already at a more advanced stage and in cultivars of greater precocity. In some areas, there are invasive species that are difficult to control, such as horseweed, but which do not impede the expected productivity.

 OLERY CROPS

In the Pelotas region, the return of hot and dry weather forced vegetable growers to once again redouble their care, using more frequent irrigation and shading screens. Sales continue as normal. The strong trade in green corn stands out in horticulture. The harvest of tomatoes and peppers is intense, with an increase in supply. Tomato prices are much lower than expected. Producers continue to dedicate all the necessary care to lettuce production during the summer; stabilized supply, also of broccoli, carrots and cabbage. Reduces the supply of cauliflower and arugula; that of cabbages increases. Snap beans with expanded harvest, greater supply and price reduction. The corn and sweet potato harvest continues and the cassava harvest has begun, with supply in local and regional markets.

ONIONS – Still in the Pelotas region, properly cured onions are stored in warehouses, awaiting better prices. With several reports of onion shortages on the market and the tendency for prices to rise, many producers store part of the harvested production. In Tavares, the removal of bags of onion from the fields for sale or storage should be completed by the end of this week. Even with prices ranging from R$1,20 to R$1,50/kg in the field for box 3, some producers choose to hold back production. In Rio Grande, Tavares and São José do Norte, the amounts received remained stable.

 FRUITS

In the Ijuí region, the harvest and commercialization of melon, watermelon and grape crops continues; reduces the supply of melons. As the watermelon harvest progresses, the fruits become larger and have a sweeter flavor. Insect attacks on ripe grapes are low, providing harvests with a higher brix degree. The average price for table fruits remained stable, except for strawberries, sold at R$17,00/kg.

UVA - In the Caxias do Sul region, the week's weather conditions were the least favorable in the last two months, with high humidity most of the time, little sunlight and mild temperatures. With the vegetative canopy wet for long periods, downy mildew – also known as mufa – the main plant disease of the crop in the region, appeared for the first time in the vineyards; winegrowers on alert, adopting control measures. Grape maturation and harvest were brought forward by around two weeks compared to the historical average. Thus, Bordô, an early cycle cultivar, has been harvesting for around 15 days, a rare situation. The product remains of excellent quality, with intense color and health of the berries.

PASTURES AND CREATIONS

Pastures are in full development due to the favorable weather conditions of recent weeks, which has resulted in a high supply of forage to the herds. With the continuous growth of the field, it is important not to let forage accumulate so that it does not lose quality; For this reason, many rural producers cultivate fields and expand their stocking capacity, especially in native countryside areas.

 MILK CATTLE FARMING - Even with the good development of pastures, in some regions producers had difficulties managing the herd, due to limited grazing times due to excessive heat. The lack of grazing generates an accumulation of dry matter in the field, causing the pasture to lose quality, which can be alleviated by mowing the areas. Producers who herded animals to graze during the coolest times of the day and at night are managing to maintain stable production. 

In confinements and semi-confinements, the need for ventilation and sprinkler in sheds has increased, especially to cool the cows, in order to improve animal welfare conditions during milking. The strong heat also causes harm to the reproductive performance of animals, making the availability of shade essential. 

Health control continues to focus on the presence of ticks, and cases of bovine parasitic sadness are already beginning to appear on some properties.

 SHEEP FARMING - The good supply of native and cultivated forages resulting from favorable weather conditions keeps the sheep herd in excellent body condition. The availability of drinking water is also adequate. The preparation of rams and matrices for the breeding season is being carried out, and mating is already taking place on properties with wool herds. 

Producers continue with preventive treatment against worms, since high humidity is favorable for the emergence of parasites; also continue with mandatory treatment against sheep lice, considering the period, between January and March, determined by Seapdr.