Press Release

For the Center South 2012/13 crop season there are only a few units left in operation, so it can be considered as a recovery period for cane fields. DATAGRO’s cane crushing estimate for the CS region is 535.71 million tons, an increase of 8.6% when compared to the previous crop.

The 2012/13 crop´s accumulated agricultural yield is 73.3 tons/ha, 8,0% higher than in the 2011/12 season, although 9,8% lower than the last 5 years average. In the Sao Paulo state, cane fields accumulated agricultural yield was 10.65% higher than in the 11/12 Crop.

The severe drought during the 3rd Quarter of 2012 allowed above average harvesters performance, presenting an average yield of 421.8 ton/harvester (machine)/day, 2.7% higher than previous crop.

Climate conditions in Center South region over Nov/12 and Dec/12 presented below normal rainfall, but with higher than average temperatures. Rainfall in Nov/12 and Dec/12 was respectively -6,1% and -24,4% when compared to the historical average. Even with a below average precipitation it was sufficient for cane fields in their early or mid-stage of development, given that they demand lower volumes of water to fulfill their maximum growth potential. For cane fields in more advanced development, the observed rainfall was not sufficient to enable full growth potential.

DATAGRO Crop Survey rated the cane development for the next season in the CS region as very good, pointing to the vigor of sugarcane plants and decrease in sprouting failures. The amout of replanted cane fields in the CS region contributed for an optimistic expectations for the 2013/14 crop, presenting reform in 20,5%, significant growth when compared to the historical average of 18,0%. Considering the current status of producers and mills, DATAGRO´s cane crushing estimate for the 2013/14 crop is between 580 and 590 million tons.