RS 2024/25 Harvest: weather damages vegetables in the State

The weather conditions in recent weeks have imposed serious challenges on agricultural production in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Informativo Conjuntural released this Wednesday (July 3) by Emater/RS, frequent rains, associated with excessive humidity and low light, have mainly harmed the cultivation of vegetables, delayed field management in winter crops and affected the quality of pastures.

Vegetables face losses

Leafy vegetables grown outdoors, such as lettuce, arugula, parsley and chives, are among the most affected. In Santa Rosa, producers report losses due to rot and etiolation — excessive and elongated growth caused by lack of light. In Erechim, excess humidity also made sowing, transplanting and preparing seedbeds difficult, in addition to favoring the emergence of diseases such as rot. In Passo Fundo, despite the high humidity, the plants are developing satisfactorily and prices are stable.

In the regions of Bagé and Caxias do Sul, planting of seed crops also faces obstacles. In Candiota, there are germination problems in coriander crops, while in Caxias, waterlogged soil hinders planting and weed control in onion areas.

Brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower were hit hard in Soledade, with losses reaching 50% in some crops. Despite this, there are no shortages yet, but the quality of the products has been reduced.

Wheat: delay in sowing 

Excessive rainfall is also impacting wheat planting, which has so far reached 50% of the estimated area. The establishment of the planted crops is considered good, but the progress of the harvest depends on the improvement in weather conditions. Emater/RS forecasts a cultivated area of ​​1,19 million hectares, with an estimated productivity of 2.997 kg/ha.

Other winter crops, such as white oats, canola and barley, are showing varying stages of development. Oats have already been planted in about 80% of the planned area, while canola has reached 95% of the sowing, but with management difficulties due to soil moisture. Barley has made greater progress during dry weather periods, especially in the north of the state.

Summer crops close cycle 

The 2023/24 corn harvest has been completed, with an average productivity of 6.857 kg/ha, in an area of ​​706,9 thousand hectares. The second crop of beans had an average yield of 1.316 kg/ha in 15,5 thousand hectares cultivated.

Pastures suffer from humidity 

Forage production has also been affected by rainfall and limited sunlight. Pasture growth is delayed, which is hampering livestock grazing. Flooding, erosion and nutrient leaching have further compromised the quality and availability of food in the fields of Rio Grande do Sul.