Brazil’s grain harvest hits record 350 MT in 2024-25
Conab credited growth in cultivated area, up 1.9 million hectares to 81.7 million, and favorable weather.
BRAZIL – Brazil is set to achieve a record-breaking grain harvest in the 2024-25 marketing year, with production estimated at 350.2 million tonnes, according to the National Supply Company’s (Conab) 12th Harvest Survey released on Sept. 11.
The figure surpasses the previous high of 324.36 million tonnes recorded in 2022-23 and represents a 16% increase, or 49.1 million tonnes more, than the 2023-24 crop.
Conab attributed the strong performance to a combination of favorable weather and an expansion in cultivated land. The total planted area rose by 1.9 million hectares to reach 81.7 million hectares, while consistent rainfall and improved crop conditions underpinned higher yields across major commodities.
Soybeans and corn drive growth
Soybeans continue to dominate Brazil’s agricultural landscape. Production is forecast at 171.5 million tonnes, an increase of 20.2 million tonnes compared to the previous season, setting a new record. Conab highlighted that national yields reached an unprecedented 3,621 kilograms per hectare, supported by better growing conditions across most producing regions.
Corn output also is on track to set a new high. Combined production from Brazil’s three harvests is estimated at 139.7 million tonnes, up 21% year on year, with average yields reaching 6,391 kg/ha.
The first harvest brought in 24.9 million tonnes, up 8.6% from last year. The second harvest, Brazil’s largest, accounts for the bulk of output, estimated at 112 million tonnes, a 24% increase. The third harvest, still under development, is forecast at 2.7 million tonnes.
Record soybean production is expected to strengthen Brazil’s role in global oilseed trade. Conab projects exports at 106.25 million tonnes, with domestic crushers processing around 57 million tonnes to meet growing demand for soymeal and soybean oil.
Rice production also recorded significant gains, reaching 12.8 million tonnes, a 21% increase compared to 2023-24. Conab said the result was the fourth highest on record, driven by a 10% rise in planted area and favorable weather.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s wheat crop faces a mixed outlook. Although sowing has been completed, planted area has declined by 20% to 2.4 million hectares. Productivity is expected to rebound from 2,579 kg/ha last year to 3,077 kg/ha in 2024-25. Even so, overall wheat production is forecast to decline by 4.5% to 7.5 million tonnes.
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