April 10, 2025

Brazil expected to see increased corn planted area and production in 2025-26

Corn planted area and production are expected to increase in Brazil in 2025-26, as farmers' sowing outlooks were supported by higher prices and export prospects, while wheat and rice also enjoy improved harvests, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The FAS forecast Brazil to harvest 130 million tonnes of corn from 22.5 million hectares in 2025-26, up from 126 million tonnes and 22 million hectares in 2024-25. Despite the expectation of a full harvest, delays in planting could pose risks to productivity.

"In some regions of Brazil, the planting of the second crop (80% of total production) was completed outside the ideal window, a period deemed optimal for sowing corn immediately after the soybean harvest," the FAS said. "Consequently, yields may be significantly affected by adverse weather conditions that can harm crop development. Delays in planting within the ideal window may also lead producers to choose other crops, such as sorghum or winter grains, instead of corn."

Total consumption is seen at 89.5 million tonnes, an increase of two million tonnes over 2024-25. Low stocks and strong demand increased corn prices to high levels in the domestic market.

Exports are expected to remain the same for both marketing years at 44 million tonnes. Brazil has emerged in recent years as a leading global corn exporter on par with the United States.

In 2024, Brazil set records for the slaughter of cattle, chickens and pigs, with corn the primary ingredient in animal feed, according to the FAS.

Wheat production in 2025-26 is forecast to reach its second-highest mark in history at 9.1 million tonnes, following expectations of increased yields through higher crop investments, the FAS said. Producers across the country have begun planning for the 2025-26 harvest, with sowing anticipated to begin in April in most of the producing regions.

Wheat consumption for 2025-26 is seen reaching 12.2 million tonnes, a 0.8% increase over 11.9 million tonnes the previous year. With sufficient stocks and improved production, imports are expected to decline year on year from 6.5 million tonnes to 6 million. Wheat exports are forecast at 2.6 million tonnes, the same as 2024-25.

- World Grain