Business · Energy & Commodities · 4 hrs ago
Soybeans and cattle help limit Brazil’s farm production value decline
Brazil’s gross farm production value is set to fall 3% in 2026, to R$1.44 trillion, after a long period of growth.
Soybeans are expected to bring in R$353 billion, up 3.3%, on a record crop and stronger prices.
Cattle production is forecast to earn R$253 billion, up 11%, as demand, especially from abroad, lifts prices.
Soybeans and cattle make up 42% of the value of the farm products assessed by Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry.
Their gains help offset steep declines in cocoa, oranges, wheat, rice and coffee, while corn and sugarcane values are also down.
The Brazilian oilseed industry group expects soybean exports to earn US$60 billion this year and US$69 billion next year, and says domestic processing could rise from 64 million tonnes to 66 million next year.
Brazil’s gross value of agricultural production is forecast to fall 3% in 2026 to R$1.44 trillion.
Soybeans and cattle are limiting the decline, with both among the sector’s largest sources of income.
Soybean production is expected to approach 180 million tonnes, generating R$353 billion, up 3.3% from 2025.
Cattle production is forecast to generate R$253 billion, an 11% increase.
Lower production values for crops including cocoa, oranges, wheat, rice and coffee are among the main setbacks.
- Who
- Brazil’s agricultural producers, particularly soybean and cattle producers.
- What
- The gross value of agricultural production is forecast to decline, while soybean and cattle values rise.
- When
- In 2026, compared with 2025.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- Soybeans and cattle are benefiting from higher prices and demand, while lower prices or production values for several other crops weigh on the total.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The average price of a cattle arroba was R$321.
The average soybean price in Paraná reached R$154 per sack, after starting the year at R$125.
A cattle arroba was traded at R$380.
Brazil’s gross value of agricultural production is forecast at R$1.44 trillion, 3% below 2025.
- Agricultural production value
- R$1.44 trillion forecast for 2026, down 3% from 2025
- Soybean production
- Nearly 180 million tonnes
- Soybean value
- R$353 billion, up 3.3%
- Cattle value
- R$253 billion, up 11%
- Soybean and cattle share
- 42% of the production value covered by the Agriculture Ministry’s assessment