Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Mechanized soybean harvest in a mature field, with a green John Deere harvester at golden hour in the Brazilian Cerrado.

About this subject

Soybeans are Brazil's main agricultural commodity, with a record production of 154.6 million tons in the 2022/2023 harvest, according to Conab. The Cerrado, a biome covering about 24% of the national territory, accounts for over 60% of the country's soybean production, especially in the states of Mato Grosso, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul. The mechanized harvest takes place between January and May, depending on the region and crop cycle.

The John Deere harvester, S-Series or T-Series model, is equipped with a flexible cutting platform that adapts to the uneven terrain of the Cerrado, reducing grain losses. The characteristic green color of the American brand is recognized globally, and the company has had a factory in Horizontina (RS) since 1979, with additional units in Catalão (GO) and Montenegro (RS). Onboard technology includes yield sensors, autopilot, and telemetry, optimizing operational efficiency.

Brazilian soybeans originated from the introduction of the crop in Rio Grande do Sul in the 1910s, but the major leap occurred in the 1970s with the development of cultivars adapted to the Cerrado by Embrapa. Today, Brazil is the world's largest exporter of soybeans, with China as the main destination. Harvesting in the afternoon, as shown in the image, is common to avoid intense heat and take advantage of natural light for maintenance operations.

Mechanization has transformed Brazilian agribusiness but also raises sustainability concerns, such as deforestation and soil compaction. Practices like no-till farming and crop rotation are adopted to mitigate impacts. The image captures a moment of high productivity, essential for Brazil's trade balance, where soybeans are one of the main export items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is the Cerrado for soybean production in Brazil?

The Cerrado accounts for over 60% of Brazil's soybean production, thanks to the development of cultivars adapted to tropical climate and acidic soils by Embrapa.

Why are John Deere harvesters green?

The green color has been John Deere's visual identity since 1912, when the company adopted the shade to highlight its equipment in the field. The color also helps reduce machine heating under the sun.

What is the soybean harvest period in Brazil?

The harvest occurs between January and May, varying by region: in Mato Grosso it starts in January; in Paraná, in February; and in Rio Grande do Sul, in March.