The United Nations (ONU) predicts that the world population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. With this looming challenge, it is crucial to find ways to reconcile the growing demand for food with environmental protection.
C.C. Lawrie, our Group company in Brazil, was thrilled to be invited to participate in the Soybean Money Maker Championship during the 2023-24 soya harvest season. This initiative, run by Equip Field Farms, brings together Brazilian producers, with public and private institutions, to identify management practices that can increase farmers' productivity and profitability with a low environmental impact in over 100 soybean production sites. Based on the Yield Gap methodology, which is widely used globally, the project evaluates participants' management practices using economic, environmental, and social indicators, with data collected from their fields.
The aim of this initiative is to illustrate how to contribute positively towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, and action on global climate change (SDGs 2, 12, and 13). It also aims to promote agricultural practices that are truly regenerative and resilient.
Overview of the Award Programme
Agriculture is closely linked to the environment; the cultivation of soybeans is no exception. Growing and processing soya successfully, requires optimal temperatures, water and solar radiation to achieve best results. Understanding the impact of the management practices we adopt, is the first step to reducing agriculture's environmental impact and ensuring our activity continues to be viable for future generations.
This year, 97 farmers took part in the Soybean Money Maker Championship, which is comprised of four main competitive pillars: Economic, Environmental, Social, and Sustainable. The farmer achieving the highest scores in all four pillars is the champion.
Journey to Success
During the soya production cycle, university researchers gathered comprehensive information on the evaluated plot, including soil type, root volume, soil fertility, organic matter, and various other factors to assess both productive potential and environmental impact. The harvest was meticulously audited throughout its growth. Post-harvest a thorough audit of all inputs used was conducted. The total investment and carbon balance were carefully surveyed.
After compiling all the surveys and data, we are proud to announce that out of 97 producers from 12 states in Brazil, C.C.Lawrie achieved 2nd place in the Environmental pillar and 1st place in the overall Sustainability pillar of the Championship. Maruque Farm, was recognised for having the most sustainable production in the Soybean Money Maker programme in 2024.
Achieving this position demonstrates that C.C. Lawrie is on the right path towards sustainable farming practices, especially considering the challenging year for soya production in central Brazil.
Alex Geovani Bruch, Managing Director, C.C.Lawrie
Alex Geovani Bruch, Managing Director C.C.Lawrie, expressed the significance of the programme:
"I like this project because it is not just a competition between producers but of us against ourselves. We managed to learn a lot during the cycle and we were able to measure that we are really investing where necessary with environmental awareness and responsibility.
The team's visits, digging trenches, analysing roots, and soil samples, all these activities were crucial for us. Participating in the group, exchanging information, was very important for us at the farm, and we are honoured to have been part of this great project."
This fantastic accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of C.C. Lawrie’s talented team, particularly Romulo Macedo, Production Manager, and Eliseu Guimarães Junior, Field Operation Manager, who are committed to quality, innovation, and above all, sustainable agriculture.
Environmental Pillar
Their approach included soil correction using calcitic and dolomitic lime applications, the selection of high-yield cultivars, and the use of biologicals. Zero till, crop rotation and the formation of mulch to protect the soil were also crucial. These practices contributed to achieving a productivity of 5,978.00 kg per hectare despite almost 30 days without rain and high temperatures during the flowering and early grain-filling stages.
Alex shared insights into the challenging 2023-2024 season:
"We had torrential rains and heavy downpours in September and October while planting. Then, from December to February, it practically did not rain, with temperatures reaching close to 39°C. Our focus on increasing the soybean's resilience through crop rotation, cover crops, and soil amendments allowed us to achieve productive stability."
The environmental pillar score was defined by CO2 equivalent emission intensity per kg of soybean produced and the nutrient balance indicator for P2O5 and K2O. André Geller's field, which achieved first place, showed an impressive 0.13 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of grain produced and maintained a nutrient balance close to neutrality. In comparison, C.C.Lawrie achieved 0.145 kg of CO2 per kg produced.
Third place: Marcos de Oliveira Silva from Bom Jesus de Penha, Minas Gerais.
Second place: Alex Geovani Bruch from Itaberá, São Paulo
First Place: Andrè Geller from Santa Catarina.
Sustainability Pillar and Grand Champion
The Sustainability pillar accounted for all information across the four pillars and concluded the grand champion of the programme was C.C.Lawrie. The management of Maruque Farm were awarded first place for achieving the highest production potential and average productivity, whilst demonstrating their ability to balance profitability and environmental protection.
Collecting data at Maruque Farm
Alex explained how it is possible to achieve high profitability with low environmental impact,
“We focus heavily on increasing the soybean's resilience at the farm, not just aiming for the highest yield potential of that year, but striving for a productive stability of the crop. We practice crop rotation, use cover crops, and apply lime and gypsum to eliminate chemical impediments, allowing the roots to develop well and penetrate deeper into the soil, ensuring good stability for the crop and supporting it during challenging periods.
The work done by the Soybean Money Maker group was very important for us. From the moment Professor Paulo Arbex remembered us and invited us to participate in the project, we accepted because it aligns well with the farm's values. We are very concerned not just with producing, but producing with social responsibility. We protect the environment, care about society, our employees, and the crop's productive stability.”
Industry Support and Future Outlook
Vittor Bernardes, Senior Marketing Manager for Soybeans in Brazil at BASF, highlighted the importance of collaboration:
"This is the second season we are alongside farmers in the Soybean Money Maker championship. The results show that with the right partners, it is possible to produce more, better, and with environmental, economic, and social sustainability."
As we celebrate the achievements of the 2023-2024 Soybean Money Maker championship, we look forward to continuing our journey towards sustainable agriculture. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication to balancing profitability with reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion
The Soybean Money Maker championship exemplifies the potential of sustainable agriculture to meet the world's growing food demands while protecting the environment. As the organisers continue to innovate and collaborate, they help to pave the way for a future where agriculture thrives sustainably. C.C. Lawrie has found the programme to be an amazing experience that has driven R&D with success, and hopes to participate again next season.
