Drought effects on Brazil’s soybean crop size are well documented. What hasn’t gotten much attention are impacts adverse weather has had on soybean quality. Hot and dry conditions during the pod-fill phase of early maturing soybeans in central Brazil resulted in low quality soybeans for many producers in the worst areas. South American crop consultant Dr. Michael Cordonnier says crop quality should improve on later-maturing soybeans, as weather has somewhat stabilized since late December with increased rainfall.
However, that can be a double-edged sword. January is generally the peak of the rainy season in central Brazil, which can be a challenge for harvesting soybeans. Prolonged periods of rainfall and high temperatures can quickly result in moldy and shriveled soybeans.
If poor soybean quality becomes a widespread issue, it would impact Brazil’s exports as exporters would have to blend more soybeans to meet shipping specifications.
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