Soybean Trials in Brazil

I’m Nakasaka, in charge of overseas operations.

In December, 2023 I visited soybean trial fields operated by two research companies, Staphyt and Agro Carregal, specializing in agricultural testing (CRO = contract research organization) in São Paulo, Brazil, and started trials using Skeepon in January.

But why Brazil now?

We plan to conduct multiple soybean trials this summer throughout the United States.

So far, the results from our soybean trials conducted in Hokkaido in Japan, showed a 20% increase in yield. However, cultivation methods vary depending on the country or region. Simply importing the Japanese cultivation, and Skeepon application methods, may not match the local methods in the U.S.

Demonstration tests in the United States are crucial for entering the U.S. market. We want to adopt the application methods as close to local cultivation practices as possible so as to maximize the results, and therefore we need to determine the best application protocol through preliminary tests. However, as it is currently midwinter in the Northern Hemisphere, so we decided to conduct such trials in Brazil, in the Southern Hemisphere.

The daytime temperature during my stay was 35°C. It was the height of summer = see photo.

Also, during my stay, while listening to the local cultivation methods from the two companies, we created two protocols (different spraying methods and frequencies). I also observed the spraying machines and soil conditions at the trial fields.

Brazil was originally known for its poor soil fertility, making it difficult for crops to grow. I heard stories about soil and variety improvements that have transformed Brazil into the agricultural powerhouse it is today.

We will be receiving the soybean yield data within this April, and are eagerly awaiting the results to see what impact each protocol has on yield.