April 12, 2000

BRAZIL: FAVORABLY DRIER WEATHER BENEFITS SOYBEAN HARVEST

Brazil's 1999/2000 soybean production is estimated 30.5 million tons, unchanged from last month but down 2 percent from last year. Area harvested remains unchanged from last month at 13.1 million hectares. The 1999/2000 crop season was characterized by a drought during October to December which delayed plantings in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and Rio Grande do Sul. However, improved soil moisture conditions during January and February boosted prospects for the soybean crop in drought impacted states. Crop conditions within the states of Mato Grosso, Goias, Minas Gerais, and Sao Paulo remain generally favorable. Moderate to heavy showers during March delayed harvesting operations in Rio Grande do Sul. The return of drier weather benefited soybean harvesting (2000/1999/Average, percent harvested) in Parana (50/66/77), Mato Grosso(84/80/78), Goias (61/70/64), Mato Grosso do Sul (60/68/72), Minas Gerais (15/27/33), and Brazil (47/53/57).

ENVIRONMENTAL VEGETATION INDEX

The Environmental Vegetation Index (EVI) for the period December 1999-March 2000 is shown in Figure 1. Significant planting delays are evident in the November image, followed by a rapid greenup during December through February. Harvesting operations in Mato Grosso Mato, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goias are contributing to the overall decrease in the March values of the index. A comparison of March 2000 EVI values with those during 1998 and 1999 (Figure 2.) shows the impact of the earlier drought on crop vigor.

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

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