South American Tractor Demand Falls 22%
The National Agricultural Technology Institute recorded 4.1 sunshine hours per day in October in Manfredi, Córdoba, compared with a historical average of 8.3 hours (-50.5%). Reduced solar radiation could affect wheat grain formation and filling, although potential yield losses have not been estimated. (INTA – 11/9/26)
The Argentine Rural Confederations challenged requirements for cattle farmers to join the private Visión Sectorial del Gran Chaco platform to supply beef to the European Union. The association alleges that some meatpackers restrict purchases or apply discounts without certification and may approach competition authorities. The allegations are not regulatory findings. (CRA – 11/9/26)
ADBlick Agro reduced cultivation on leased land by approximately 30 K hectares and now operates around 30 K hectares across 85 farms. The company will prioritize leases with expected returns of at least 15% in US dollars and expand agricultural input distribution through acquisitions and partnerships. (ADBlick Agro – 11/11/26)
The metalworkers’ union reported a work stoppage at tractor manufacturer Pauny in Las Varillas, Córdoba, over unpaid wages and labor obligations. The union demanded a payment plan and job protection measures. A new hearing was scheduled for November 12th. (UOM San Francisco – 11/5/26)
The cotton sector plans to expand the planted area from 5 K hectares in 2026 to 100 K hectares by 2036 through biotechnology and textile industry recovery. The government announced access to markets in Peru and Paraguay for cotton. The targets depend on investment and industrial demand. (Confeagro; Fedepa – 11/10/26)
JBS reported net sales of US$ 22.74 billion in the 3Q26 (+0.6%), adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization under International Financial Reporting Standards of US$ 1.18 billion (-35.6%) and attributable net income of US$ 164 million, down from US$ 581 million. Beef operations faced lower shipments to China. JBS also agreed to acquire J&F-controlled Flora and Canal Rural for US$ 367.1 million and US$ 16.1 million after debt adjustments, with payment mainly in shares. (JBS; SEC – 11/9/26)
São Martinho reported net income of approximately US$ 9.2 million in the second quarter of the 2026/27 crop season (-71.1%) and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of approximately US$ 138 million (-6.9%), despite a 7.7% revenue increase to approximately US$ 340 million. Rainfall during harvesting led to a 3.5% reduction in the sugarcane crushing forecast, to 22.8 million tonnes. (São Martinho – 11/9/26)
Hidrovias do Brasil, a river transportation and cargo logistics company, handled 3.93 million tonnes in the 3Q26 (-24%). Adjusted operating earnings fell 16% to approximately US$ 55 million. In Brazil, the figure rose 5% to approximately US$ 34 million, supported by lower costs and increased cargo handling at the Port of Santos. In Paraguay, the figure declined 23% to approximately US$ 21 million, due to higher fuel and iron ore transportation costs and unfavorable exchange rate movements. (Hidrovias do Brasil; CVM – 11/9/26)
MAPA confirmed a fifth Newcastle disease outbreak in the State of Santa Catarina. The latest case was reported in Nova Itaberaba, within the existing control zone. Uruguay lifted the nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry on November 6th, maintaining restrictions only on Santa Catarina. Following the decision, Brazil no longer faced nationwide poultry meat import bans related to the disease. (Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil; MGAP – 11/9/26)
Agricultural exports increased 42.1% in average daily value during the first four business days of November compared with the November 2025 average. Total exports across all sectors reached US$ 7.21 billion, generating a US$ 1.38 billion trade surplus. Figures are preliminary. (MDIC – 11/9/26)
Small-sized cocoa farmers in Bahia are eligible for a 6.38% loan discount under the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming through the Family Farming Price Guarantee Program. Orange discounts reach 77.29% in Sergipe and 64.53% in Pará. Corn and common beans are no longer eligible. Rates apply from November 10th to December 9th. (Conab; MDA – 11/9/26)
The Brazilian Development Bank approved approximately US$ 64.5 million in loans to Dual in Pedra Preta, State of Mato Grosso: US$ 49 million for a cottonseed protein concentrate plant with protein content above 60% and US$ 15.4 million to double annual biodiesel capacity to 375 million liters. (BNDES – 11/9/26)
Chicken exports reached 512.8 K tonnes in October (+2.3%), the highest monthly volume of 2026, with revenue of US$ 994.1 million (+14.9%). Through October, shipments totaled 4.9 million tonnes (+12.7%) and US$ 9.7 billion (+20.4%). (ABPA – 11/9/26)
Cotton exports reached an October record of 338.3 K tonnes (+15.1%), worth US$ 597.6 million (+25.3%). Shipments totaled 791.1 K tonnes (+16.8%) from July through October, the first four months of the 2026/27 marketing year. (Secex/MDIC; Anea – 11/9/26)
CNH Industrial reported 3Q26 net income of US$ 35 million (-48%) and agricultural machinery sales of US$ 2.91 billion (-2%). South American demand fell 22% for tractors and 19% for combines. CNH also agreed to form a joint venture with Kobelco, transferring 70% of the construction equipment business valued at US$ 1 billion. CNH expects US$ 700 million in cash and will retain 30%. Closing is expected in 2027. (CNH – 11/9/26)
Soybean planting for 2026/27 reached 64% of the estimated area on November 5th, compared with 61% a year earlier. Irregular rainfall in the Cerrado increased replanting risks in parts of Matopiba (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia). First-crop corn planting reached 71% in south-central areas, compared with 72%, amid storm and hail damage in Rio Grande do Sul. (AgRural – 11/9/26)
The government promulgated amendments to the International Sugar Agreement to include fuel ethanol, bioenergy and sugar industry by-products. The changes also revise voting and contribution rules for member countries. International entry into force is scheduled for January 1st, 2027. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Decree No. 13,153, dated 11/6/26 – published on 11/9/26)
Raízen approved a capital increase of approximately US$ 635 million to US$ 7.2 billion under the out-of-court bankruptcy protection plan, combining a Shell contribution with debt-to-equity conversions. New cash will support working capital and debt reduction. Nonparticipating shareholders could face dilution of up to 94%; the maximum amount is not entirely new cash. (Raízen – 11/7/26)
Klabin announced a timber venture in the State of Paraná, contributing forest assets covering 37.3 K hectares while an institutional investor will provide approximately US$ 218 million. Klabin will retain control. Completion remains subject to conditions and regulatory approvals. (Klabin – 11/6/26)
Suzano reported record 3Q26 net revenue of approximately US$ 3 billion (+36%) and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of approximately US$ 1 billion (+9%), supported by the consolidation of Arbex, a joint venture with Kimberly-Clark. Net debt rose 15% quarter-on-quarter to approximately US$ 13.9 billion. (Suzano – 11/5/26)
Oleoplan postponed the start of construction of two biodiesel plants in Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, representing approximately US$ 145 million in planned investment and combined production capacity of 2.5 million liters per day. After spending approximately US$ 9 million on land acquisition, the company is awaiting an increase in the mandatory biodiesel blend in diesel from 15% to 16% before starting construction. (Oleoplan – 11/10/26)
The Senate approved Provisional Measure No. 1376/2026 on November 11th, expanding rural debt renegotiations after weather-related losses, with differentiated interest rates of up to 12% annually. The text extends eligibility for overdue loans through October 2026 and includes Rural Product Notes involving cooperatives and suppliers. The proposal now awaits presidential assent. (Senate – 11/11/26)
Orange juice production rose 34% in the 2025/26 crop year to 942.1 K tonnes, according to the National Association of Citrus Juice Exporters. Inventories held by member companies reached 383.2 K tonnes in June (+161.9%), the highest level for that period since 2020. Higher supply and weak demand pressured the market, with international prices down more than 70% from the December 2024 peak. (CitrusBR – 11/10/26)
Jereissati-controlled Grande Moinho Cearense invested approximately US$ 42 million in a wheat milling plant in Salvador, Bahia, scheduled to open in January 2027. The 500-tonne-per-day facility will increase total company capacity by approximately 30% to more than 2 K tonnes per day. (Grande Moinho Cearense – 11/5/26)
Agricultural software group Aliare aims to increase annual gross revenue from approximately US$ 36 million to US$ 91 million by 2030 through acquisitions and AI solutions. The company is negotiating with technology businesses generating US$ 1.8 million to US$ 5.5 million in annual revenue. (Aliare – 11/9/26)
In Brazil, renegotiated, extended, overdue or defaulted rural loans totaled approximately US$ 37.7 billion in July 2026, representing 23.46% of outstanding rural credit, compared with 5.46% in December 2023. New credit operations nationwide from July through September fell 22.65% to approximately US$ 16 billion. (Farsul – 11/5/26)
Food exports reached a record US$ 12.11 billion from January through October (+6.6%). Salmon accounted for US$ 5.46 billion (+8.7%), while food represented 31% of non-mineral exports. (Subrei – 11/9/26)
The floriculture industry employs approximately 90 K women, or 60% of the 150 K direct jobs in the sector, according to the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters. Of these workers, 55% are heads of household. At a November 10th event, the association highlighted programs supporting financial independence, health and professional development. (Asocolflores – 11/10/26)
The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing debt renegotiation and new credit lines for coffee farmers, plus subsidies of up to 60% for climate risk insurance and a proposed 30% incentive for coffee plantation renewal. Insurance conditions are scheduled for discussion on November 30th. (Ministry of Agriculture – 11/6/26)
The Ministry of Agriculture announced a partnership with Germany-based Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG) for a specialty coffee pilot project in Serranía del Perijá and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Operating in 28 countries, NKG purchases more than 1.5 million bags of Colombian coffee. The program targets farmers with at least five hectares. No investment amount was disclosed. (Ministry of Agriculture – 11/10/26)
The Financial and Monetary Policy and Regulation Board authorized voluntary postponement of loan installments for up to 90 days for borrowers affected by El Niño, including farmers. The measure requires agreement with lenders and does not provide debt forgiveness or additional interest and penalties on deferred installments. (Banco Central del Ecuador; JPRFM – 11/9/26)
The National Association of Cocoa Exporters warned that El Niño-related rainfall could reduce cocoa production by more than 10% in 2027. Excess moisture increases disease risks and flower losses in regions accounting for 75% of cocoa plantations. No consolidated loss estimate is available. (Anecacao – 11/10/26)
Prices of agricultural products increased 1.27% month-on-month in October and 2.99% year-on-year. Overall annual inflation accelerated from 3.45% to 3.75%. (INEGI – 11/9/26)
Pilgrim’s inaugurated a prepared chicken products line in Gómez Palacio, Durango, following an investment of approximately US$ 40 million. The project expands processing capacity and integration with local suppliers and poultry farmers. (Pilgrim’s; Government of Durango – 11/5/26)
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Paraguay approved projects under the maquila regime, which provides tax incentives for export-oriented production, with investments exceeding US$ 3 million and approximately 120 jobs expected. Rice and poultry investment proposals remain under review, with no approval announced. (MIC – 11/9/26)
The Ueno Bank crisis has weakened investor and farmer confidence. According to the Central Bank, approximately US$ 665 million was transferred for initial deposit guarantee payments to 1.81 million eligible depositors by November 11th. The government is examining working capital alternatives for affected companies, with no new credit lines announced. (Capeco; BCP; Ministry of Economy and Finance – 11/11/26)
The Paraguayan Chamber of Exporters and Traders of Cereals and Oilseeds reported signs of a very strong El Niño based on Pacific temperature anomalies. Adviser Eduardo Sierra considered an even more extreme event unlikely and released climate outlooks through June 2027. (Capeco – 11/6/26)
Fresh blueberry exports reached US$ 1.53 billion from January through September (+24%), while fresh grape exports totaled US$ 873 million (+23.4%). Overall exports rose 31% to US$ 83.79 billion, driven primarily by mining. (ADEX; CIEN-ADEX – 11/7/26)
Dairy processors received 2.19 billion liters of milk in 2025 (+8%). Milk powder production rose 33% to 229.8 K tonnes, while the number of supplying farmers declined from 2,135 to 2,035. (MGAP; DIEA – 11/9/26)
Casarone Agroindustrial, the second-largest rice producer in Uruguay, expanded farmland by leasing land previously cultivated by Uruguayan rice producer Arrozal 33. The company also detailed a July agreement with Australia’s SunRice, setting minimum and maximum prices for part of production, following a pilot project of 1.4 K hectares. (Casarone Agroindustrial – 11/6/26)
The Ministry of Agriculture introduced cattle traceability controls. Animals must be identified before six months of age. The system also requires matching counts between pre-shipment declarations and animal scans and limits corrections to electronic movement documents. (MGAP – 11/5/26–11/6/26)
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