Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Green John Deere harvester in a soybean field at sunset in Brazil.

About this subject

Soybeans are Brazil's top agricultural product, with an estimated production of over 150 million tons in the 2023/2024 harvest, according to Conab. The country is the world's largest exporter of the oilseed, accounting for about 50% of global trade. The crops are concentrated in the Center-West, especially Mato Grosso, the largest producing state, followed by Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul.

The John Deere harvester, model from the S or T series, is one of the most used machines for mechanized soybean harvesting. Equipped with auto-steering systems and grain loss sensors, it allows high efficiency and reduced waste. The characteristic green color of the brand is easily recognizable in Brazilian fields.

The golden hour at sunset is common during harvest operations in the summer, when days are longer. The golden light enhances the colors of the mature crop, ready for harvest. Soybeans are planted between September and November and harvested from January to April, depending on the region.

Agricultural mechanization in Brazil advanced significantly since the 1970s, driven by Embrapa and rural credit policies. Today, over 90% of soybean harvesting is mechanized, increasing productivity and reducing manual labor. John Deere, founded in 1837 in the USA, is a global leader in agricultural machinery and maintains factories in Brazil, such as in Horizontina (RS) and Catalão (GO).

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is soy for Brazil?

Soy is Brazil's main agribusiness product, responsible for a significant share of exports. Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter, with harvests exceeding 150 million tons.

Why is the John Deere harvester so widely used in Brazil?

John Deere offers robust and technologically advanced machines adapted to Brazilian conditions. Models like S760 and T560 are popular for their efficiency, low grain loss, and extensive technical support across the country.

What is the golden hour in agriculture?

The golden hour refers to the period just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is softer and golden. It is common in photography, but also a working time in the field during long summer days.