Soybean planting officially opens in Rio Grande do Sul

Soybean planting in Rio Grande do Sul was officially opened at the 15th Official Opening Ceremony, held today (10/3), in Júlio de Castilhos, in the Central region. The estimated 2025/26 summer harvest is 21,4 million tons of soybeans, according to data from Emater/RS, an increase of 57,14% compared to the last harvest, which was 13.643.936 tons.

According to the projection, the state will cultivate an area of ​​6,74 million hectares, a 0,80% reduction in planted area. The production estimate also depends on Rio Grande do Sul's climate conditions.

Agriculture Secretary Edivilson Brum attended the ceremony and highlighted the strength and resilience of Rio Grande do Sul's farmers, who brave adverse weather conditions in the fields to produce. "For this harvest, we expect a recovery in productivity and more positive performance, supported by more favorable weather conditions and the tireless dedication of both men and women. If the numbers hold true, and the weather cooperates, soybean production could once again put Rio Grande do Sul in the national spotlight for soybean production," he emphasized.

According to data from the 2025 Rio Grande do Sul Agricultural Radiography (RAG), a publication by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi), the largest producing municipalities in irrigated agriculture are São Borja, Cruz Alta, São Luiz Gonzaga, Santa Bárbara do Sul and Boa Vista do Cadeado. In dryland agriculture, the municipalities of Palmeira das Missões, Dom Pedrito, Vacaria, Cachoeira do Sul and São Gabriel stand out. 

In 2024, Rio Grande do Sul exported soybean products to 50 countries, generating US$6,33 billion, making the state the third-largest exporter of soybean products in the country, according to RAG. China is the main destination for this crop, acquiring 56% of Rio Grande do Sul's exports, followed by Iran (7,2%), South Korea and India (3,7% each), and Iraq (3,1%).