Corn cob fresh harvest in farmer hands

Freshly harvested corn in the hands of a Brazilian farmer, symbol of the crop that feeds the country and drives agribusiness.

About this subject

Corn is one of the pillars of Brazilian agribusiness, with the country ranking third globally in grain production, behind only the United States and China. In the 2022/2023 harvest, Brazil reaped about 130 million tons of corn, supplying both the domestic market and exports, especially to countries like Japan, Iran, and South Korea. The image of a freshly harvested ear of corn in a farmer's hands represents the manual labor and technology employed in the field, where transgenic varieties and no-till systems allow up to three harvests per year in some regions.

Manual corn harvesting, although less common on large mechanized farms in the Central-West region, is still practiced on small family farms and subsistence agriculture, especially in the Northeast and land reform settlements. Green corn, harvested before full maturity, is consumed fresh, boiled or roasted, and is a key ingredient in typical dishes such as pamonha, curau, and canjica. Dry corn, harvested mature, is mainly used for animal feed and the ethanol industry, which in Brazil uses the grain as raw material for biofuel.

The harvest moment is crucial for grain quality. Ideal moisture for mechanized harvesting is between 13% and 15%, preventing fungal losses and ensuring higher milling yield. In the farmer's hands, the ear shows aligned, golden kernels, indicating health and proper maturity. The tip of the ear, often stripped of husk, reveals careful handling to avoid mechanical damage.

Interestingly, corn is a native American crop, domesticated over 9,000 years ago in Mexico. In Brazil, it was cultivated by indigenous peoples before the Portuguese arrival and became integrated into the national cuisine and economy. Today, the country is one of the world's largest exporters, with corn accounting for about 15% of the total value of Brazilian agribusiness exports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of corn for Brazilian agribusiness?

Corn is the second most produced grain in Brazil, second only to soybeans. It is essential for animal feed, the food industry, and ethanol production, besides generating billions of dollars in exports annually.

How to identify good quality corn at harvest?

Quality corn has aligned kernels, uniform golden color, no spots or signs of mold. The ear should be firm and have adequate moisture (13% to 15% for mechanized harvesting).

What are the main uses of corn in Brazil?

Corn is mainly used for animal feed (about 60% of production), human consumption (green corn, flour, oil), and ethanol production. It is also raw material for starch, glucose syrup, and bioplastics.