March 25, 2005

Brazil Rio Grande Do Sul harvests 7 percent of soy crop

Brazil¡¯s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has harvested 7 percent of its soy crop, according to data released Thursday by Rio Grande do Sul crop agency Emater.

Rio Grande do Sul was hit by its worst drought in decades this season, prompting significant losses to the region¡¯s farmers.

A majority of the soybeans harvested to date are smaller than normal and underdeveloped, according to Emater.

Productivity has declined sharply to 300 to 800 kilograms per hectare, down from previous estimates of 2,000 kilograms per hectare issued by Emater prior to the drought.

Recent rains have help alleviate the water shortages in much of the state but have not completely ended the dry conditions.

Precipitation is seen diminishing late Thursday, when a large mass of dry air is seen covering the region, according to local meteorologist Climatempo.

A new cold front is expected to reach southern Brazil late next week, according to the local Somar Meteorologia weather service.

Brazil is the world¡¯s second-largest soy producer and exporter.