From January through September, Mato Grosso imported 4.51 MMT of fertilizers, a 4.8% decline from the same period last year. Nationwide, Brazil’s fertilizer imports fell 1.5% for the same period. With soybean planting delayed in central Brazil, farmers are worried the safrinha corn planting might be pushed past the ideal window, making them more cautious with their fertilizer purchases. Low commodity prices and a lack of credit availability also contributed to the decline in fertilizer purchases.
South American crop consultant Dr. Michael Cordonnier says, “This could be particularly important for safrinha corn that will be planted next January and February after the soybeans are harvested. Many farmers lost money on their 2023-24 safrinha corn due to delayed planting and a premature end to the summer rainy season. Safrinha corn planting could be delayed again this growing season leaving farmers uncertain about their safrinha corn acreage. Farmers in Mato Grosso will have a better idea about their safrinha corn acreage once they have completed their soybean planting.”
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