Corn crop failure materializes after frost in São Paulo

The cold front that advanced over the state and the frosts indicate severe losses in the second harvest corn crop in São Paulo. In some situations, mainly in the north and northwest regions of the state, total crop loss was identified. The information comes from the 11th Survey of the 2020/2021 Grain Harvest, published this Tuesday (10/08) by the National Supply Company (Conab).

In São Paulo, second-crop corn planting occurred, mostly, between the months of January and March. As a result, most of the grain was in the filling and maturation phase when it was reached due to climatic issues (drought and frost). In regions where the climate is colder and more humid, with fog occurring at night – such as Assis, Ourinhos and Pedrinhas Paulista – the loss of productivity was smaller. 

Conab estimates that second-crop corn production in São Paulo will be 1,4 million tons, indicating a decline of 38,8% compared to the previous harvest. Productivity is expected to be 40,9% lower than that observed in the last cycle, despite the 3,6% increase in the cultivated area.

More information about the corn harvest and other crops in São Paulo and Brazil at Conab website.

Total corn 

Total corn production in São Paulo, including estimates for the first harvest, will be 3,27 million tons – a reduction of 22,2% compared to the result obtained in 2019/20. The total cultivated area was 885 thousand hectares, with an average productivity of approximately 3,7 thousand kg/ha (23,4% lower than that observed in the previous cycle).