The impressive Brazilian agriculture growth rates continue. 2025 saw another record soybean crop that will be eclipsed again in 2026. Soybean exports topped another record year at 1.4 mmt last year and are on track for another record. The ability to double crop has led to impressive productivity and quantity growth in not only soybeans, but also corn and cotton. But soybeans remain the crown jewel of Brazilian agriculture.
Beyond soybeans, Brazil sees further growth across a broad swath of commodities including corn, cotton, orange juice, and sugar. In the livestock space, cattle, hog, and poultry expansion continues as Brazil sees overseas demand surge. Total meat and poultry exports swelled to a record US$30 billion last year, doubling in 15 years. Total tonnage grew to 9.9 million mt combined with Brazil now solidly the #1 beef and poultry exporter on earth.
On a recent trip I visited farming operations in Mato Grosso where I was told that the average farmer age is 36 years. Ag tech companies are exploding in Brazil as these young farmers are very tech savvy and open to new ideas. One farmer shared how an AI algorithm is cutting his fertilizer usage; in his words “the agronomists cannot keep up”. Farmers in Brazil are leapfrogging technology steps, considering all options to improve productivity.
What’s next in 2026?
Brazil halted Foot and Mouth Vaccinations in 2024, receiving the World Organization for Animal Health’s designation “FMD Free Without Vaccination” in 2025. That opens the door for them to pursue exports into all key markets. But admission is not guaranteed. Japan continues to stall Brazilian beef efforts, although Brazil now sends more frozen pork to Japan than the U.S. and Canada. We expect a strong “charm offensive” by Brazil seeking new beef access to Japan, Korea, and other key markets.
Brazil’s beef production likely peaked in 2025 after 3 years of poor margins which drove aggressive slaughter rates. Higher prices and herd rebuilding in 2026-2027 will ultimately lead to a larger herd. And a new hybrid feeding system, using corn-based feed on pastures, leads to faster and younger cattle growth. That will look like sharp productivity gains as average slaughter ages shift lower from the historical 40+ month range. While cattle feeding is expanding in Brazil it remains a small proportion of slaughter (near 18%).
Pork production can now expand beyond Santa Catarina as all states are eligible for export under the new FMD-Free without vaccination regulations. Expect swine expansion into cheaper corn areas likely Mato Grosso. Pork exports grew most into the Philippines in 2025, the new #1 market. But exports also advanced into Latin America, Africa and other Asian nations, including Japan.
In Summary
We expect to see growth in Brazil’s agriculture output over the next decade due to improved productivity and new acres. Brazil is expanding their role to feed the world.
~Brett Stuart