January 19, 2009
Argentina drought tests soy, corn; planting stalled
Argentina's soy crop continues to struggle due to the hot, dry weather with late planting virtually frozen as farmers can't get the seeds into the parched soil, the Agriculture Secretariat said in its weekly crop report Friday (January 16).
In the Pehuajo district of Buenos Aires Province, "its crucial that rain is seen soon. In general, the panorama is critical," the Secretariat said.
The situation is worse farther north. In the Rosario del Tala district of Entre Rios province, "planting has been halted. Some farmers will restart plating again in those areas favoured by recent rainfall, but others have simply suspended planting," the Secretariat said.
As of January 16, farmers had planted 89 percent of the area seen going to soy, down from 96 percent at this point last year.
Area is seen at a record 17.8 million hectares this season.
The corn crop is in bad shape due to the drought and hot weather. Conditions are a bit better in Corodoba province, which received scattered showers, but more rainfall is needed soon.
In the Pigue district of Buenos Aires province, light rainfall over the past week was "only enough to prevent crop damage for a few days, but if the hot, dry weather continues, production will be seriously affected," the Secretariat said.
As of Thursday, farmers had planted 94 percent of the forecast 3.5 million hectares seen going to corn, down from 96 percent at this point last season, according to the Secretariat.
Crop conditions are poor across the farm belt due to the drought, except in Cordoba province. Corodoba has received more rainfall than other provinces and the sunseed crop there is "very good, without significant pest problems," the Secretariat said.
Farmers have completed planting the 2.2 million hectares expected to be sown with sunflower seeds this season.
Farmers wrapped up the 2008-09 wheat harvest this week.
The secretariat is forecasting production of 9 million tonnes, down sharply from the 16 million tonnes grown last season, due to decreased planted area and drought damage.
