Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Soybean harvest at dusk with a John Deere harvester in a mature field.

About this subject

Soybean (Glycine max) is Brazil's top agricultural commodity, accounting for about 14% of total exports. In the 2022/2023 season, Brazil produced over 150 million tons, becoming the world's largest producer. Mechanized harvesting is critical: a modern harvester like the John Deere S790 can process up to 60 tons per hour, reducing losses to under 3%. Harvest timing is determined by grain moisture, ideally between 13% and 15%. The golden hour provides diffused light that reduces operator glare and thermal stress on machinery. Brazilian soybeans are mainly grown in the Midwest, especially Mato Grosso, which accounts for 28% of national production. The crop requires rotation with second-crop corn, a practice that optimizes soil use and reduces pests. Night harvesting is common on large farms to maximize working hours. John Deere, founded in 1837 in the USA, dominates the Brazilian harvester market with lines like the S-Series, which integrate telemetry and autopilot. The image captures the contrast between golden soybeans and the green machine, a symbol of agricultural mechanization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the harvesting capacity of a John Deere S790?

The S790 can harvest up to 60 tons of soybeans per hour, depending on field conditions and settings.

Why is soybean harvested at dusk?

Dusk light reduces glare and thermal stress, and relative humidity is more favorable to avoid losses.

Which Brazilian state leads soybean production?

Mato Grosso is the largest producer, with about 28% of national output, followed by Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul.