Grain survey indicates record production of 238,4 million tons

The third survey of the grain harvest carried out by the National Supply Company (Conab) shows that the country is expected to harvest a record harvest of 238,4 million tons, which represents an increase of 10,6 million tons in relation to the last harvest. or 4,6% in percentage terms. Until then, the record was for the 2016/17 harvest, estimated at 238,7 million tons, but which ended up closing at 237,6 million, after the update of the winter harvest and 2nd and 3rd harvest crops.

The study was released this Tuesday (11) and identified that the climatic conditions presented so far, in all grain producing regions, are positively influencing productivity. As for the planted area, the third stage estimates that it should reach 62,5 million hectares, with a prospect of an increase of 1,2% compared to last season, that is, an increase of 756,3 thousand hectares. What explains this increase is the increase in area for cotton and soybean crops.

Expectations for the 2018/19 harvest indicate that soybean production should reach 120,1 million tons. In relation to the planted area of ​​this crop, there is a growth trend of 1,8% compared to the past. In the case of corn, this is expected to reach 91,1 million tons. The corn planted in the first harvest presents very punctual production to meet internal demands, such as animal feed for confinement and in areas close to poultry and swine farms, since the producer's focus at this time of planting is soybeans. The corn planted area in this harvest reached 5,1 million hectares, representing an increase of 0,8% compared to the 2017/18 season.

Finally, in relation to cotton, the product should reach 2,4 million tons of lint, which represents an increase of 17,8% over the previous harvest. The performance of lint prices in both the domestic and foreign markets encouraged national producers to invest heavily in farming. In addition to these products, the bulletin also highlights the production of peanuts, sunflowers and castor beans.