Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Soybean harvest with a green John Deere harvester at golden hour, highlighting agricultural mechanization in Brazil.

About this subject

The image captures a typical scene of Brazilian agribusiness: a green John Deere harvester operating in a soybean field during late afternoon, when the golden sunlight enhances the colors of the crop and the machine. Brazil is the world's largest soybean producer and exporter, with a harvest exceeding 150 million tons in 2023, according to the National Supply Company (Conab). Mechanization is essential for this productivity, and John Deere, founded in 1837 in the United States, is one of the most prominent brands in Brazilian agriculture, with factories in Horizontina (RS) and Catalão (GO).

Soybeans are mainly cultivated in the states of Mato Grosso, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul, occupying about 44 million hectares in the country. The harvester shown, likely a model from the S or T series, can harvest up to 60 tons per hour, depending on conditions. The golden hour is strategically chosen by many farmers to avoid the intense midday heat and reduce grain moisture loss, ensuring better quality.

The image also reflects the importance of agribusiness in the Brazilian economy, responsible for about 25% of the national GDP. Soybeans are the main export commodity, with destinations such as China, Europe, and the United States. The presence of machines like this harvester symbolizes the modernization of the countryside, combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable management practices such as no-till farming and crop rotation.

Fun fact: John Deere is known for its green and yellow colors, but the green actually comes from the paint originally used to protect machines from rust. In Brazil, the company maintains a research and development center focused on tropical agriculture, adapting its harvesters to local conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of soybeans for the Brazilian economy?

Soybeans are Brazil's main agricultural commodity, accounting for about 25% of agribusiness GDP. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter, with harvests exceeding 150 million tons, generating revenue and jobs in several regions.

Why is soybean harvesting done in the late afternoon?

Harvesting in the late afternoon, during sunset, helps reduce grain moisture loss because temperatures are milder. This preserves soybean quality and avoids damage caused by intense midday heat.

Does John Deere manufacture harvesters in Brazil?

Yes, John Deere has factories in Horizontina (RS) and Catalão (GO), where it produces harvesters and other equipment adapted to tropical conditions, using cutting-edge technology to increase field efficiency.