Soybean field with green John Deere harvester at golden hour

Mechanized soybean harvest in a mature field with a John Deere combine harvester during the late afternoon.

About this subject

Soybeans are the leading commodity in Brazilian agribusiness, with Brazil becoming the world's largest producer and exporter since 2020, surpassing the United States. In the 2022/2023 harvest, the country produced about 154 million tons, cultivated on approximately 44 million hectares, mainly in the Center-West (Mato Grosso, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul) and South (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul). Mechanized harvesting is crucial for production efficiency, reducing losses and ensuring speed. The John Deere combine harvester, model S790 or similar, is widely used for its capacity to process up to 60 tons per hour, depending on crop conditions. The late afternoon, known as the golden hour, is strategic for harvesting because the lower sunlight reduces excessive heat on machines and operators, and provides better visibility for low-cutting. Brazilian soybeans are mostly transgenic, herbicide-resistant, with a growing cycle of 100 to 150 days. Harvesting occurs from January to May in the Center-West and from February to June in the South. The process involves cutting the plant, threshing to separate grains from pods, and cleaning, with grains stored in the machine's grain tank. Straw and plant residues are returned to the soil as mulch, contributing to the sustainability of the no-till system, adopted in over 80% of Brazil's soybean area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of soybeans for Brazil?

Soybeans are Brazil's main export commodity, generating revenue and jobs. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter, with the 2022/2023 harvest exceeding 150 million tons.

Why is harvesting done in the late afternoon?

The late afternoon, or golden hour, provides lower sunlight, reducing heat for operators and machines, and improves visibility for low-cutting, increasing efficiency.

How does the John Deere combine harvester work on soybeans?

The combine cuts the plant, threshes to separate grains from pods, and cleans the material. Grains are stored in an internal tank, while straw is returned to the soil as mulch.