Lower-than-normal rainfall due to the La Niña climate pattern during Argentina’s summer would pose a “big challenge” for soybean and corn production, according to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange.
In its monthly climate report, the exchange said, “one of the most damaging effects caused by La Niña in the Pampeana Region (the central farming area) and adjacent areas, is to extend the seasonal drought, which normally takes place during January. The return of the rains could be delayed until mid-March.”
Applied Climatology Consultancy (CCA) meteorologist Germán Heinzenknecht forecasts the summer season to be drier than normal, especially in the agricultural east of Argentina.
Heinzenknecht says La Niña could bring some rains to southern Brazil that might help to refill the Paraná River, a key grains waterway that carries some 80% of Argentina’s farm exports to the sea. Earlier this year, the river hit a 77-year low level earlier due to a historic drought upriver. hindering transport.
Read more Pro Farmer news in the Evening Report.
