Argentina Sees Agricultural Improvement Following Recent Rains
Argentina’s recent transition to wetter and cooler weather has improved soybean conditions significantly, with yield projections stabilizing. However, this increased rainfall poses challenges for early corn harvesting, with expectations of delays due to ongoing precipitation. Reports suggest that follow-up showers must reduce in frequency to facilitate harvesting as the season progresses.
Argentina has transitioned from dry and hot conditions in early February to wet and cooler weather by the month’s end. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reported that rainfall during this period has significantly improved soybeans, moving from disastrous to acceptable conditions. This increase in precipitation has stabilized projected soybean yields and reduced damage from previous heat and dryness in the principal growing regions of the country.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates released in early February indicated a decline in production for Argentina’s coarse grain, with estimates dropping from 60.29 million metric tons to 59.39 million metric tons due to adverse weather. However, following recent rainfall, estimations regarding soybean losses have improved, suggesting potential losses might reduce from 40%-50% to approximately 20%-30%. Subsequent reports indicated a 20-point decrease in the percentage of second-season soybeans rated average-to-poor by February 27.
Despite the benefits of recent rainfall on soybeans, early corn harvests have been delayed. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange noted that around 10% of the corn crop has been harvested, primarily due to drought conditions affecting maturing corn in the prior months. The upcoming rainfall, predicted to be above average during early March, poses a threat of further delays to both corn and soy harvests.
Forecasts for early March predict that precipitation in central Argentina will exceed average levels, with specific estimates for Buenos Aires indicating 20-40 millimeters (0.8-1.6 inches) above normal. Although early corn harvest is ongoing, frequent rain showers may hinder its progress. Cold fronts affecting southern Argentina are contributing to these conditions as they stall, resulting in significant local rainfall.
The American GFS model forecasts substantial rain, over 100 millimeters (4 inches), across parts of southern Cordoba and northern La Pampa, coinciding with areas already experiencing heavy rainfall. This could result in saturated fields, necessitating that rain frequency decreases as harvesting gains momentum toward the end of March. For more detailed reports on crop and weather conditions, please refer to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange’s resources.
In conclusion, the shift in weather patterns in Argentina has positively impacted soybean conditions, moving from dire situations to improved projections due to increased rainfall. While this is advantageous for soybeans, it simultaneously poses challenges for early corn harvesting due to expected delays from ongoing precipitation. The need for reduced rainfall frequency will be crucial as the corn and soybean harvests progress towards completion.
Original Source: www.dtnpf.com
