Brazil's Agricultural ‘Hat Trick'

April 17, 2001

A combination of increased area, higher technological inputs and generally very favorable weather have resulted in record production of corn, soybeans, and cotton in Brazil for 2000-01, according to a report from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.

Brazil's 2000-01 total cotton production is forecast at a record 3.9 million bales, up 200,000 bales or 5% from the March forecast 25% more than last year. Harvested area is estimated at 930,000 hectares, up 4% from last month. The cotton crop benefitted from very favorable growing conditions despite some January dryness reported in western Bahia and Minas Gerais. Field reports by USDA analysts indicate that farmers are benefitting significantly from the large-scale adoption of high yielding varieties and the implementation of sound cultural practices.

Technological inputs for this year's crop also have been very aggressive, particularly in the central-west states, where production costs are generally lower than in the south.

The country's 2000-01 total corn production is forecast at a record 39.5 million tons, up 1.0 million tons or 3% from last month and 25% more than last year. Harvested area is estimated at 14.0 million hectares, 4% more than the forecast last month. The main corn crop, which typically accounts for about 80-85% of the total production, has benefitted from very favorable growing conditions despite some January dryness in western Bahia and Minas Gerais.

Field reports by USDA analysts indicate significant year-to-year area increases for both the main and Safrinha corn crops. Record yields of 2.85 tons per hectare are forecast due to increased use of farm inputs (fertilizers, pesticides and improved seeds). The Safrinha crop in the key states of Parana and Mato Grosso benefitted from favorable weather conditions at planting.

Brazil's 2000-01 soybean crop is forecast at a record 35.5 million tons, unchanged from last month and 4% more than last year's record crop. Harvested area is estimated at 13.6 million hectares, with yields at a record 2.61 tons per hectare. Field visits by USDA analysts indicate that the overall crop prospects for this year's crop are very favorable despite some January dryness in western Bahia and Minas Gerais.

The use of farm inputs for this year's crop has also been very aggressive, particularly in the central-west states, where production costs are generally lower than in the south. About 57% of the crop had been harvested by April 6th.

For the entire report, access the Internet address at http://www.fas.usda.gov/pecad/highlights/2001/04/BRZL/BR_APRIL.htm.