Concerns for Argentine Soybeans With Heavy Late-Season Rains

Heavy rainfall across Argentina’s core soybean production areas has caused harvest delays and could lead to production losses, the Rosario Grain Exchange said. March rainfall was above normal and since last Friday, at least 70 millimeters (2.76 inches) of rain fell across most of the agricultural region, with peaks of 140 millimeters in some parts.

“There is beginning to be a lot of concern about the soybean harvest because there are many areas that have not finished drying,” said the head of the exchange’s agricultural estimates. “Everything will depend on whether this phenomenon passes and whether we have rapid drying conditions.”

Last week, the exchange cut its Argentine soybean production estimate to 51 MMT, though that was tied to heat in January and February.

World Weather Inc. noted, “Additional rainfall today will likely further slow or delay harvesting and general fieldwork across Argentina. Quality impacts should be minimal. The warmer and drier weather later in the workweek will gradually firm the ground and support a better environment for the harvest. The next round of rain over the weekend could then again impact harvest rates. Although harvesting will advance slowly at times in the coming weeks, production potentials will not be significantly impacted.”

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