Mar 18, 2026
Rio Grande do Sul Could Lose 2.4 mt of Soy According to Emater
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
The last major soybean producing state in Brazil to harvest soybeans is Rio Grande do Sul. The state had been expected to be the second largest producer in Brazil, but problematic weather during the growing season will drop the state to third behind Mato Grosso ad Parana. The soybean harvest is in the initial stages and farmers are worried about potential yield losses.
In their second estimate of the 2025/26 soybean production in Rio Grande do Sul, Emater lowered their estimate to 19.0 million tons or a reduction of 2.4 million tons (11.3%) compared to their original estimate of 21.4 million tons. The lower production resulted from insufficient and irregular rainfall accompanied by high temperatures during critical periods of crop development. Emater released the data during the 36th National Soybean Forum held in the city of No-Me-Toque, Rio Grande do Sul.
Soybean yields in the state have been below the average of other major producing states, especially during the last five years due to climatic factors and less money to invest in new crops. In the hardest hit areas, soybean losses could be as high as 50%. Farmers in the state are hoping that new biofuel facilities in the state will increase domestic demand and support prices.