Cold weather delays US corn harvest

Freezing temperatures across the US Midwest will likely prevent farmers from harvesting corn this week, while the cold weather in the Plains is expected to favour the winter wheat crop.

Corn harvest is expected to advance little due to very cold temperatures, snow in the fields and some additional light snow expected during midweek, said Mike Palmerino from the DTN Meteorlogix.

Snowfall of two to four inches was reported over western Iowa and eastern Nebraska during the weekend. There could be dry weather on Monday and Tuesday, with snow developing on Wednesday and ending on Thursday.

US farmers have harvested much of this year's near-record corn crop, but around 500 to 600 million bushels remained in the fields as of last week. The USDA has forecast 2009 US corn production at 12.921 billion bushels, second only to the record harvest of 13.038 billion bushels two years ago.

The cold weather is unlikely to hamper movement of livestock and the snow will boost winter wheat crop.

In South America, the weather will continue to remain favourable for soy and corn. A favourable weather pattern for developing soy will continue throughout the major growing areas of Brazil, with regular rains and no significant hot weather, said Palmerino.

Argentina's weather pattern will be favourable for developing corn and soy and any remaining planting, the forecaster added.