Brazil is on pace in 2017-18 to produce its second largest soybean crop ever.The country is forecast to produce 112.5 tonnes, a decline of 1.3% from last year’s record output. Planted area in 2017-18 is pegged at 35 million hectares, a 3% increase from the previous growing season. Despite the higher planted area, the lower forecast production is a result of lower yields compared to a year ago as a result of weather issues in the south. National yields are predicted to reach 3.21 tonnes per hectare. The report also said Brazil will sustain its position as the largest soybean exporter in the world. Soybean exports for 2017-18 are forecast at 65 million tonnes, about 5% lower compared to 2016-17.