Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

A green John Deere harvester operates in a soybean field at sunset, highlighting mechanization in Brazilian agribusiness.

About this subject

Soybeans are Brazil's main agricultural commodity, with an estimated production of 150 million tons in the 2023/2024 harvest, according to Conab. The country is the world's largest exporter of the grain, accounting for over 50% of international trade. Crops are concentrated in the Central-West region, especially Mato Grosso, which leads national production, followed by Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. Mechanized harvesting with combines like the John Deere S780 is standard in the sector, allowing efficiency in large areas and reducing losses. The sunset hour, known as the golden hour, is common during harvest operations, which in Brazil occur between January and April in the central region. The green John Deere machines are iconic in the Brazilian countryside, with the company maintaining a factory in Horizontina (RS) since 1979. Agricultural mechanization was fundamental for soybean expansion in the Cerrado, a biome that had 30% of its area converted to agriculture in recent decades. The harvester in the image operates in double rows, a system that increases harvesting capacity. The harvested grain goes to warehouses and ports, such as Santos (SP), the main outlet for the crop. Brazilian soybeans are primarily used for animal feed and biodiesel production, with China as the largest buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of soybeans for the Brazilian economy?

Soybeans are Brazil's main export product, generating around US$ 50 billion annually. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter, with China as the main buyer.

Why is soybean harvesting done at night or at dusk?

Night or dusk harvesting is common to take advantage of higher relative humidity, which reduces grain loss due to drying, and to maximize machine use during the intense harvest season.

Where are the main soybean crops located in Brazil?

The main producing regions are the Central-West (Mato Grosso, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul), South (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul), and Southeast (Minas Gerais). Mato Grosso leads with about 30% of national production.