National competition confirms new maize yield record in Brazil

The 2026 edition of the national maize yield competition highlighted technological progress and excellence in maize crop management in Brazil, with record yields across various producing regions.

The highest yield overall was achieved by farmer Eduardo Pletz, from Parana, who reached 369.92 sacks per hectare (sc/ha) in the rainfed category – the highest yield in the entire competition – as reported by Safras, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to experts, the results demonstrate the growing ability of Brazilian producers to overcome climatic and plant health challenges whilst maintaining a trajectory of continuous progress and consolidation of the country’s productive potential.

Regional figures underscore the widespread dissemination of technical knowledge. In the Northern Region, Bahia stood out with Marcelino Flores de Oliveira leading the rainfed category with 315.37 sc/ha, whilst in Minas Gerais, in the Central Region, Marcelo Sanfelice achieved 307.71 sc/ha in rainfed conditions.

Experts emphasise that Brazilian farmers, equipped with modern tools and technical support, are already preparing for the next harvest, with the prospect of new records and the consolidation of maize as a high-yield crop across the whole country.