Four record-breaking harvests predicted for Brazil’s agriculture in 2023

In 2023, Brazilian agriculture is anticipated to see at least four record-breaking harvests: soy, corn, wheat, and sorghum, according to the latest report from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) on local agribusiness, released on Tuesday, 13.

The surge in agricultural product prices has stimulated planting, setting the stage for these record yields in Brazil’s agriculture sector.

“Also, there’s been an increase in crop investments,” said Carlos Barradas, manager of the IBGE survey.

Combined, the soy, wheat, corn, and sorghum harvests in 2023 are predicted to yield 285 million tons.

This quantity represents nearly 95% of all local production of cereals, legumes, and oilseeds.

Soybean

Among the crops set to reach historic levels, soy is the frontrunner. IBGE estimates predict that the 2023 soy production will peak at almost 150 million tons, marking the largest volume generated by national plantations.

Even rice, a staple in Brazilian households, is ceding ground to this crop.

“Producers are downsizing areas for other cereals, like rice, in favor of soybean cultivation,” Barradas explained.

Corn

Following closely is corn, predicted at around 125 million tons. Corn cultivation in the country is typically rotated with soy within the same year, maximizing land usage.

Furthermore, these two grains are the primary feed for poultry and pigs, supporting Brazil’s status as the world’s top exporter of chicken meat.

Wheat

For wheat, the impetus for increased cultivation came following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

To illustrate, the national wheat yield in 2021, the year before the conflict, stood at 8 million tons.

Projections for 2023 estimate a yield of 10.5 million tons, denoting a 30% increase.

Sorghum

Lastly, the sorghum harvest – another common source of animal feed – is forecasted to reach nearly 4 million tons.

This projection signals the highest yield for this crop within the IBGE’s records on Brazilian agricultural harvests.