March 10, 2008

 

Argentine corn harvest stalled due to rainfall

 

 

Abundant rainfall over the past week is delaying the harvest of the 2007-08 corn crop, which began across Entre Rios and Santa Fe provinces, the Agriculture Secretariat said in its weekly crop report Friday (March 7, 2008).

 

Farmers had harvested 5 percent of the crop as of March 6, the Secretariat said.

 

Early drought cut yields in some areas, but higher rainfall over the past weeks has helped the late corn recover, according to the Secretariat.

 

The Secretariat forecasts output at 19 million to 21 million tonnes.

 

 

Soy
 

The 2007-08 soy crop is in good condition, with steady rainfall over the past weeks boosting the developing beans. However, some areas suffered from early drought which is expected to cause yields to fall somewhat compared to last season.

 

Farmers planted a record 16.6 million hectares with soys this season.

 

Production is estimated at 45 million to 48 million tonnes, compared to the record 47.5 million tonnes grown last season, according to the Secretariat.

 

 

Sunseed
 

Farmers have harvested 30 percent of the 2007-08 sunseed crop, 20 percentage points behind the harvest pace at this point last year. Production is estimated at 4.5 million tonnes, according to the Secretariat.