Dec 15, 2025
Conab December Report - Soybeans Down, Corn Little Changed
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
In their December Crop Report issued last Thursday, Conab lowered the 2025/26 Brazilian soybean estimate 0.48 million tons to 177.12 million. The 2025/26 corn production was increased slightly to 138.87 million tons.
Brazil's soybean estimate was lowered due to reduced acreage. The 2025/26 soybean acreage was lowered 130,000 hectares to 48.93 million (120.8 million acres). Usually, Conab increases the soybean acreage as the season progresses, so the fact they lowered the acreage is quite unusual.
Even with the reduction in acreage, the 2025/26 soybean acreage is up 3.4% compared to last year. The nationwide soybean yield was left unchanged from last month at 3,620 kg/ha (53.9 bu/ac). If realized, the 2025/26 soybean production would represent an increase of 5.6 million tons or 3.3% compared to last year.
Brazil's corn estimate was increased slightly (40,000 tons) to 138.87 million tons. If realized, the 2025/26 corn production would represent a decline of 2.1 million tons or 1.5% compared to last year.
Brazil's first corn crop acreage is estimated at 4.04 million hectares (9.97 million acres) with a yield of 6,408 kg/ha (101.9 bu/ac) producing 25.90 million tons. Brazil's safrinha corn acreage is estimated at 18.09 million hectares (44.68 million acres) with a yield of 6,105 kg/ha (97.06 bu/ac) producing 110.46 million tons. The safrinha corn acreage represents an increase of 3.8% from last year. Brazil's third corn crop acreage is estimated at 0.59 million hectares (1.45 million acres) with a yield of 4,241 kg/ha (67.43 bu/ac) producing 2.51 million tons.
If realized, the safrinha corn crop would represent 79.5% of Brazil's total corn production with the first corn crop representing 18.6% and the third crop representing 1.8%.
Conab seems quite optimistic concerning the acreage increases for both soybeans (3.4%) and safrinha corn (3.8%).