Due to the latest weather issues in the south and mid-west region of Brazil, the production of safrinha corn for 2021 suffered a major break. On the other hand, Brazil is one of the few countries that allows a big window for the cereal production, being able to have up to three corn crops in a 12-month period. Each of these harvests distinguishes in climate conditions, handling and strategies.

The traditional crop happens from Sept. to Dec., while the safrinha corn happens from Jan. to April (second corn crop) and from April to June (third crop corn). Since the safrinha is out of the ideal window, a lot of risks are taken by farmers who choose this season, but things are looking good for this year (so far).

The estimate is that the third crop corn is going to be planted on 1.4 million acres on the SEALBA area (that includes the states of Sergipe, Alagoas and Bahia) and Amapá and Roraima states. The scene represents an increase of 6.5% in relation to 2020, according to the Conab (Brazilian National Supply Company) report. The water indexes of the soil are above 50%, favorable to planting.

Dry spell

Right now, states from all regions of Brazil – except the south – are going through their usual dry spell. The United Nations Organization is predicting that this water crises can be the next “pandemic”. Poor weather affects directly the food production of a country, as we have been witnessing here in Brazil, and can cause food insecurity to an entire nation. Sustainability is key to reverse this path of drought.

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.