Jul 08, 2024

Brazil Wheat 96% Planted in Parana, 69% in Rio Grande do Sul

Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.

Farmers in the state of Parana in southern Brazil have planted 96% of their 2024 winter wheat according to the Department of Rural Economics for the state of Parana (Deral). The wheat is 4% germinating, 71% in vegetative development, 23% flowering, and 2% filling grain. The wheat is rated 9% poor, 24% average, and 67% good.

Farmers are concerned about dryness in the northern part of the state where it has been dry for 30 days and it may stay dry for another 15 days or more. The dryness could impact the development of the earliest planted wheat that is displaying slow germination, reduced growth, yellow leaves, and reduced tillering.

Deral is estimating that farmers in Parana will plant 1.15 million hectares of winter wheat (2.8 million acres), which is down 19% from the 1.31 million planted in 2023 (3.23 million acres). Deral is estimating the statewide yield at 3,300 kg/ha (49.1 bu/ac), which is higher than the 2,580 kg/ha registered in 2023 (38.4 bu/ac). Wheat production in 2024 is estimated at 3.81 million tons, which is up 5% from the 3.64 million tons produced in 2023.

In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Emater estimates that farmers have planted 69% of the winter wheat compared to 82% last year and 85% average. Planting has been slowed due to wet conditions. Emater estimates that farmers in the state will plant 1.31 million hectares (3.23 million acres) and that the 2024 production will be 4.07 million tons, which would be up 55% compared to 2023.

The states of Rio Grande do Sul and Parana combined will produce approximately 88% of Brazil's 2024 winter wheat.

Conab is estimating that Brazil will plant 3.078 million hectares of wheat in 2024 (7.6 million acres) which is down 11.4%. The nationwide wheat yield is estimated at 2,945 kg/ha (43.8 bu/ac), which is up 26.3%. Brazilian wheat production in 2024 is estimated at 9.06 million tons, which is up 12% compared to 2023. Domestic wheat usage in Brazil is estimated at 12-13 million tons, so even with the increased production, Brazil will need to import wheat.