RS Harvest 2024/25: climate challenges in corn

The 2024/25 corn harvest in Rio Grande do Sul is progressing slowly, with 95% of the projected area planted, according to the most recent report from Emater/RS. The harvest, still in its infancy, reaches only 3% of the cultivated areas, being concentrated in the northwest of the state, with an average recorded productivity of 7.800 kg/ha.

Although the overall performance is considered superior to that of the previous harvest, irregular rainfall and water deficit in November, during fertilization and grain formation, caused losses in some locations.

The reduction in productive potential is more evident in areas without irrigation.

Recently, high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity have accelerated maturation, forcing the harvest to be brought forward in advanced cycle crops.

Regional situation

• Bagé Region: Producers in Aceguá, Hulha Negra and Candiota are betting on late sowing, between Christmas and early January, trusting in the productive stability recorded in previous years. In the Western Border, the dry weather led to the intensive use of irrigation in areas of Maçambará and Manoel Viana, which have high productive potential. In São Borja, the 15 thousand hectares sown are mostly in the maturation phase, with expectations of good productivity in the irrigated areas.

• Caxias do Sul: Regular rainfall and mild nighttime temperatures favored crop development, especially during the reproductive phase. However, late crops face a high incidence of pests such as fall armyworm and corn leafhopper, causing concern for producers due to the risk of stunting.

• Ijuí Region: Approximately 80% of crops are in the process of filling grains, with their production potential already defined. Fertilization failures, caused by reduced rainfall in November, have affected some areas, leading producers to resort to agricultural insurance. The incidence of leafhoppers is increasing, but the damage has been localized.

• Deep Step: 45% of the areas are in flowering and 55% are in grain filling. Frequent rains have benefited crop development, keeping productivity within expectations.

• Pelotas Region: 78% of the area has been sown, with most crops in vegetative development. The climate remains favorable, with soil moisture and adequate temperatures.

• Loneliness: Early crops advance towards grain filling, consolidating estimated productivity. Areas sown in tobacco stubble show good initial development, while later crops require attention in controlling the leafhopper.

• Santa Rosa Region: 54% of the crops are maturing, and 3% of the area has already been harvested. Early maturation, due to weather conditions, should accelerate the harvest pace in the coming weeks.