Dry weather favors corn harvest, but concerns livestock in the Midwest

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The forecast for the next seven days indicates low amounts of rain in most of the region. Precipitation should occur punctually and be concentrated mainly in the extreme south of Mato Grosso do Sul.

In other areas, a mass of dry air should keep the weather stable and encourage temperatures to rise. Maximum temperatures should vary between 34 °C and 38 °C in much of the Center-West, and may exceed 40 °C in areas of the north and center-south of Mato Grosso and the north of Mato Grosso do Sul.

In addition to the heat, low humidity requires attention. Rates may be below 20% in areas in the north of Mato Grosso do Sul, south of Goiás and in sectors of the northwest, southeast and north of Mato Grosso, especially during the afternoons.

Dry weather can favor corn harvest

The forecast conditions have different effects on second-crop corn crops. According to data from the National Supply Company (Conab) cited by Inmet, 84.7% of the national area has already been harvested.

In Mato Grosso, the work is practically completed, with productivity above producers' initial estimates. In Goiás, the harvest is advancing in the north and east regions and approaching the end in areas of the southwest.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, rain limited the advance of machines in part of the state. With firm weather forecast, the expectation is for more favorable conditions for the resumption and acceleration of work.

For areas undergoing maturation and harvesting, the absence of rain also favors the reduction of grain moisture and drying in the field, expanding the windows available for operations and potentially reducing the need for artificial drying.

Later crops require attention

The scenario, however, may be unfavorable for corn areas planted later and which are still in the grain filling phase.

According to Inmet, the combination of intense heat, low air humidity and water deficit in the soil increases evapotranspiration and can harm grain development, with possible impacts on final weight and productivity.

The lack of rain also affects pastures. The persistence of dry weather makes regrowth difficult, reduces the availability of forage and can compromise its nutritional quality. As a result, producers may need to increase food supplementation for their herds and adjust the stocking of areas during the dry period.

Heat increases risk for livestock and fires

Another point of attention is the thermal stress of animals, especially those raised in extensive pasture systems. High temperatures and low humidity increase the need for water and shaded areas.

Inmet recommends reinforcing the supply of clean, fresh water, ensuring adequate shading and avoiding activities that require greater effort from animals, such as travel, apartments and transport, during the hottest times of the day.

The combination of heat, lack of rain and low humidity also reduces the humidity of vegetation, pastures and straw left by newly harvested crops, increasing conditions favorable to the spread of fires.

Given the scenario, the institute recommends that producers follow weather forecast updates and meteorological warnings to adjust field operations and reduce risks related to heat and lack of humidity.

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