Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Mechanized soybean harvest in Brazil: a John Deere harvester in the field during the golden hour sunset.

About this subject

Soybeans are Brazil's top agricultural commodity, with the country being the world's largest exporter. Mechanized harvesting takes place on large farms, especially in the Center-West (Mato Grosso, Goiás) and the Matopiba region (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, Bahia). John Deere, an American company founded in 1837, leads the agricultural machinery market in Brazil with models like the S Series, capable of harvesting up to 60 tons per hour. The golden hour, at dawn or dusk, is preferred by many operators due to favorable light and cooler temperatures, which reduce heat stress on plants and equipment. The Brazilian soybean cycle lasts about 120 days, with harvest occurring between January and May depending on the region. National average productivity is around 3,500 kg per hectare, but can exceed 4,000 kg in highly technified fields like the one shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is soy for Brazil?

Soy is Brazil's top agricultural export, generating billions of dollars annually and supporting millions of direct and indirect jobs.

Why are John Deere harvesters so common in Brazil?

John Deere has had a strong presence in the country since the 1970s, offering robust machines and a widespread service network, along with government-subsidized credit lines.

What is the golden hour in agriculture?

It is the period just after sunrise or before sunset, when light is softer and temperatures are cooler, ideal for operations like harvesting and spraying.