A recent onslaught of heavy rains across crucial grains regions in Argentina poses a significant threat to the country’s current soy and corn crops, potentially causing damage and impacting production levels, as highlighted by a local grains exchange and weather experts on Wednesday.
Argentina, a key global exporter of soybean oil, meal, and corn, has experienced persistent heavy rains well above average levels this month, initially alleviating dry soil conditions but now leading to waterlogging in farmlands. Meteorologist German Heinzenknecht from Applied Climatology Consulting (CCA) described the ongoing rains as unnecessary and detrimental, particularly affecting areas in Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires provinces.
The National Meteorological Service reported rainfall between 15 and 50 millimeters in Argentina’s agricultural heartland in the past 24 hours, with additional storms forecasted throughout Wednesday. Marina Barletta, an analyst at the Rosario grains exchange, highlighted the excessive water accumulation in certain regions, with soybean fields experiencing flooding due to rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters in March.
The timing of the heavy rainfall coincides with the commencement of the 2023/24 corn harvest and the upcoming soybean harvest, raising concerns about crop development and potential yield losses. While the Rosario exchange projects a soy harvest of 50 million tons and corn harvest of 57 million tons, the recent adverse weather conditions have cast uncertainty on achieving these estimates.
The impact of prolonged rains on soybean crops can lead to delays in harvesting, increased humidity causing pod opening and bean spoilage, or sprouting within the pod. Moreover, reports of hailstorms in parts of Buenos Aires have exacerbated the situation, damaging crops and resulting in significant agricultural losses for local producers.
In Buenos Aires city and its surroundings, heavy rainfall led to flooding, destruction, and disruptions, with media outlets documenting submerged highways, floating vehicles, structural damage, and flight cancellations at the city’s airports. The adverse weather conditions have raised concerns about the immediate challenges faced by farmers and the broader implications for Argentina’s agricultural sector.