Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Night soybean harvest in Mato Grosso with a green John Deere harvester under golden hour light, 2023/2024 season.

About this subject

The image captures the soybean harvest in a vast plantation in Mato Grosso, Brazil, during the 2023/2024 season. Mato Grosso is the country's largest soybean producer, accounting for about 30% of national production, with a planted area exceeding 11 million hectares. The John Deere harvester, model S790, is one of the most used machines in Brazilian agribusiness due to its efficiency and onboard technology, allowing real-time adjustments to minimize losses. The golden hour, typical of late afternoon, not only beautifies the scene but is also a strategic choice: lower light reduces operator glare and extreme heat common in the region. The harvested soybeans are primarily destined for export, with China being the largest buyer, accounting for over 70% of Brazilian exports. The 2023/2024 season was marked by a moderate El Niño, bringing irregular rainfall, but the use of technologies such as no-till farming and transgenic varieties helped maintain average productivity around 60 bags per hectare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average soybean yield in Mato Grosso?

The average soybean yield in Mato Grosso is approximately 60 bags per hectare, but it can vary depending on weather conditions and management.

Why is the harvest done in the late afternoon?

Harvesting in the late afternoon takes advantage of the golden light that reduces operator glare and avoids the intense midday heat, improving efficiency and comfort.

Where does the soybean harvested in Mato Grosso go?

Most of the soybeans harvested in Mato Grosso are exported, mainly to China, which buys over 70% of Brazilian soybean exports.