In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, above-average temperatures and a lack of rainfall have severely impacted soybean crops across the Northern, Central, and Frontier West regions. In the municipality of Júlio de Castilhos, the dire situation has resulted in a state of emergency being declared following a technical assessment by Emater, indicating substantial losses for the 2025/2026 harvest. The reports indicate an average reduction of approximately 20% in soybean yields, with similar adverse effects reported for corn, both grain and silage.

The drought conditions are also affecting dairy production, resulting in rural families struggling to access potable water. The regional manager of Emater, Guilherme Passamani, emphasized the critical reproductive stage of the soy plants, which require adequate moisture for proper coloration and the formation of pods and seeds. With soybean crops planted in December currently at crucial flowering and grain filling stages, farmers face a challenging situation as weather conditions continue to hinder agricultural productivity.

The declaration of a state of emergency signifies the urgency of the matter, and local authorities may seek assistance for affected farmers and families as they grapple with the implications of this drought. The impacts of the drought extend beyond immediate crop losses, affecting the broader agricultural economy and food security in the region, which relies heavily on these crops for production and income.