Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Green John Deere harvester in a soybean field at sunset, a critical moment in the Brazilian harvest.

About this subject

Soybeans are Brazil's main agricultural product, with an estimated production of over 150 million tons in the 2023/2024 harvest, making the country the world's largest producer and exporter. Mechanized harvesting is essential for this scale, and machines like John Deere, recognized by their characteristic green color, are widely used in the farms of the Central-West, South, and Southeast regions. The sunset hour, known as the golden hour, is an intense work period on farms, as light and temperature conditions are favorable for harvester operation, which can process up to 60 tons of grain per hour.

The harvester shown is a typical large model, equipped with a threshing and separation system that minimizes grain losses. Harvested soybeans are stored in silos or directly transported to processing units. The soybean harvest in Brazil is planted between September and December, with harvesting concentrated from January to April, varying by region. Mato Grosso leads national production, followed by Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul.

John Deere, founded in 1837 in the United States, is one of the most traditional brands in agricultural machinery. In Brazil, the company maintains factories in Horizontina (RS) and Catalão (GO), producing tractors and harvesters adapted to local conditions. The green and yellow color of their machines is an iconic visual in Brazilian rural landscapes.

Soybean cultivation has great economic importance but also raises environmental issues, such as deforestation in the Cerrado and Amazon. Sustainability practices, such as no-till farming and crop rotation, are increasingly adopted to mitigate impacts. Harvesting in the late afternoon is a common scene reflecting the dedication of Brazilian farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the harvesting capacity of a John Deere combine?

Modern models can harvest up to 60 tons of soybeans per hour, depending on field conditions and machine configuration.

Why is soybean harvesting done at sunset?

Sunset offers milder temperatures and favorable light, reducing operator heat stress and improving visibility to identify losses.

Where does John Deere manufacture its machines in Brazil?

John Deere has factories in Horizontina (RS) and Catalão (GO), producing tractors and harvesters adapted to the Brazilian market.