Brazil sets planting calendar for 2024-25 soybean crop

Brazil's ministry of agriculture (Mapa) released the calendar for the sanitary void period and planting window of the 2024-25 soybean crop, beginning in September.

The sanitary void is a minimum 90-day period when growing the oilseed is prohibited, a phytosanitary measure to limit the proliferation of the highly destructive Asian rust fungal disease.

Brazilian producers also adopt a planting calendar as a complementary measure to control the disease. It aims to streamline fungicide applications and minimize the risks of Asian rust developing resistance to the chemical products.

The country's agriculture ministry defines the calendar for each state according to expected weather conditions and suggestions made by regional agencies and governments.

The sanitary void of Mato Grosso state — Brazil's largest soybean producer — is set from 8 June-6 September, with planting starting soon after and finishing by 7 January.

Rio Grande do Sul will begin its sanitary void as of 3 July, with field works allowed as of 1 October and planting expected to end on 28 January. The state is currently Brazil's second-largest soybean producer for the 2023-24 season, but flooding in the past weeks may hamper production.

The calendar for Parana state — the third largest soybean producer this season — varies for each region. The whole state is prohibited from growing soybeans from 22 June. Some areas can start sowing on 1 September, with activities ending by 19 January.

By Nathalia Giannetti