Rain Slows Harvest in Brazil, Argentina

Total soybean production for Brazil is estimated to be 5.8% lower than last year at 148 million metric tons, according to consultancy firm Safras & Mercado’s March 19 estimate. This is down 0.3% from the previous forecast of 149 million metric tons on February 9.

The southern states of Rio Grande do Sul and Parana expect to have a substantial temperature drop this week after almost 4 inches of rain. Temperatures were over 100ºF last week and are forecast to fall below 66ºF. Soybean harvest is 82% complete in Parana while Rio Grande do Sul is only 7% done. In Parana, agronomists have reported cases of corn stunt disease and that may impact the results of the first corn crop.

Torrential rains are expected for the west-central and northern regions of Brazil. This won’t have a big impact on the west-central state of Mato Grosso, where harvest is almost complete, but could cause delays for Mato Grosso do Sul and Tocantis in their final days of soybean harvest.

Despite some delays, Brazil’s soybean harvest is 69% complete, only one percentage point behind the five-year average, according to data released by consultancy Patria Agronegocios on March 22. Most yield reductions are expected in the northern and southern parts of the country while the west-central portion is forecast closer to average yields. 

Argentina Harvest

Buenos Aires and Santa Fe accumulated 10 inches of rain last week with hail in some areas, putting fields underwater and slowing down soybean and early corn harvest. Early corn harvest in Argentina is 8% complete, well behind the 15% average.

Over the weekend, most farmers with early soybean plantings resumed harvest work as conditions improved. The forecast calls for dry, sunny days until March 27. Overall, 70% of the soybean crop in Argentina is considered to be under optimal moisture conditions.