February 11, 2000

BRAZIL SOYBEANS IMPACTED BY DELAYED PLANTINGS IN THE SOUTH

The 1999/2000 Brazilian soybean production is estimated at 30.5 million tons, or about 2 percent below last year's crop. Harvested area is currently estimated at 13.1 million hectares, up 2 percent from last year. Soybean plantings in the south were significantly delayed by the earlier dryness. October to December rainfall was 50-75 percent of normal in southern Mato Groso do Sul, Sao Paulo, western Parana, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Widespread rainfall during January help replenish moisture reserves in parts of Sao Paulo, Parana, and central Rio Grande do Sul. Rainfall in the north-northeastern states of Mato Grosso, Goias, and Minas Gerais remains generally favorable.

Satellite derived vegetation conditions (shown below) indicate the progress of the drought during the 1999/2000 growing season.

BRAZIL COTTON PRODUCTION UP DUE TO EXPANSION INTO THE NORTH/NORTHEAST

Brazil's cotton production is estimated 2.2 million bales, up 16 percent from last year. Harvested are has been lowered by 18 percent to 700,000 hectares. Cotton production in Brazil has recently shifted from the traditional states of Parana and Sao Paulo into the north/northeastern states of Mato Grosso, Goias, Bahia, and Minas Gerais. Cotton production in marginal areas has given way to large mechanized commercial farms. The cotton crop in western Parana and Sao Paulo suffered some damage due to the earlier dryness in October to March. However, bulk of the crop is now cultivated to the north/northeast where seasonal rainfall has generally been very favorable.

For more information, contact Rao Achutuni with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division on (202) 690-0140.