EN 
PT_BR 
Even with progress in some regions, the Mato Grosso Soybean and Corn Producers Association (Aprosoja MT) has been following the 25/26 harvest with concern, as it has faced water deficits, above-average heat, and poorly distributed rainfall. In different regions of the state, producers report difficulties in germination and crop development, a direct consequence of irregular rainfall. The delay also raises concerns about the second corn crop, which may have its planting window reduced if the weather scenario persists.
The organization's president, Lucas Costa Beber, points out that the problem affects several municipalities.
“This year, the rain is really plentiful; it's been coming in dribs and drabs. In regions like Sorriso, Diamantino, Lucas do Rio Verde, Colíder, and Campo Verde, the scenario is the same: stalled crops and producers interrupting planting due to the lack of rain. Unlike other years, when the rain might be delayed but then stabilize, now it comes, the producer believes it will continue, plants a portion, and then has to stop, and some of the already planted soybeans germinate poorly, have poorly distributed stands, and the plants are small. It's a completely different year.”
According to him, the situation is worrying not only because of the immediate impact on soybeans, but also because of the chain effect on the next harvest. "From now on, each day means less corn production, and this soybean planted later also has the problem of pest attacks, such as whitefly, in addition to the impacts on productivity," he warns.
The president further adds that reports from various regions confirm that the problem is not limited to planting delays, but also includes water stress in already established crops.
“The report from producers in the state is that, even in more advanced municipalities, such as Sorriso, which last week already had about 85% of the area planted, the plants are suffering from water stress and, due to the heat, are showing reduced size, which can decrease the leaf area and also compromise the final productivity of the crop. In some parts of the state there have been reports of replanting, although the numbers are not significant, and it is also important to consider that the producer has to do the math: where he plants, there is an approximate cost of 10 sacks per hectare, in addition to the risk of further delaying the planting window for the second corn crop,” reinforces Lucas Costa Beber.
In Campo Verde, the coordinating delegate of the unit, Rafael Marsaro, also confirms the difficulties faced by producers.
“We planted with the moisture from the September rains, but then we went 15 days without precipitation. The 30-day-old soybeans are growing much less than expected. The soil is dry and doesn't retain moisture. Planting is progressing, but productivity is at risk. The cotton planting window has already passed, and the corn planting window is starting to be compromised,” reports Rafael.
For producers, the official planting figures do not reflect the reality in the field. Although many areas have already been sown, the crops are facing unfavorable conditions for plant development. “The data shows that soybeans are planted, but with development far below expectations. There are areas that have been planted for almost a month with limited growth, others that are still emerging from the ground after 15 days, and newly planted crops that haven't even germinated. Here on my property, we are waiting and praying that the rains predicted for next week actually come, because the cotton planting window has already passed. I managed to change my plans for corn, but most producers in the state don't have that possibility. It's already becoming difficult even for corn itself. Soybean productivity is compromised,” said producer Rafael Marsaro.
The challenging climate scenario, coupled with other obstacles such as high production costs and limited access to credit, increases the pressure on producers at the start of the harvest season.
Aprosoja Mato Grosso continues to monitor the progress of planting in all regions and reinforces its commitment to representing producers, seeking solutions and policies that help the sector overcome the challenges of this early harvest season.
