Brazil's soybean crop seen at record 172.1 mln T after Agroconsult crop tour

By Ana Mano

SAO PAULO, March 27 (Reuters) - Brazilian farmers are expected to reap a record 172.1 million metric tons of soybeans in the 2024/2025 season, agribusiness consultancy Agroconsult forecast on Thursday after a nationwide crop tour of 13 states that began in January.

The new estimate is higher than the 171.3 million tons seen on February 19 but lower than the 172.4 million tons seen before the start of the expedition to survey soy fields in the world's largest producer and exporter.

Overall, six states are expected to post record soy yields, including Mato Grosso, Goias, Maranhao, Minas Gerais, Tocantins and Rondonia.

Mato Grosso, Brazil's biggest farm state, is expected to reap more than 50 million tons of soybeans for the first time, Agroconsult said.

Even though there were planting delays in Mato Grosso and excessive rainfall during the soy harvest, farmers there are expected to harvest an average of 66.5 bags per hectare, the highest ever.

"Field data revealed a continuous increase in the number of grains per hectare and grain weight in the state," said Andre Debastiani, Agroconsult's crop tour coordinator. He added these variables are greatly influenced by the weather but also reflect improved crop management.