Argentina’s agricultural heartland is facing concerns over potential delays and production losses in the ongoing soybean harvest due to prolonged and heavy rainfall, according to the Rosario grains exchange. The recent downpours, with some areas receiving up to 140 millimeters, have hindered the drying process in many regions, prompting worries about the soybean harvest.
The precipitation adds to March’s higher-than-normal rainfall levels, a stark contrast from the historic drought that affected last season’s soy crop. The heavy rains have made it challenging for harvesting machines to enter fields, increasing the risk of losses from diseases or premature ripening of soybeans in their pods.
The outlook for the soybean harvest will depend on whether the current weather phenomenon passes and is followed by rapid drying conditions. The National Meteorological Service forecasts a break from the rains in the Pampas region, followed by several days of dry and sunny to partly cloudy conditions.
While adverse conditions for soybeans are a concern, the heavy rains could benefit Argentina’s 2024/25 wheat season, as well as the upcoming planting of corn and soybeans in September. The rains may provide a buffer as Argentina anticipates the weather phenomenon known as La Niña, expected to bring drier conditions starting in June.
The impact of the heavy rains on the soybean harvest underscores the ongoing challenges and uncertainties faced by Argentina’s agricultural sector, with potential implications for the country’s crop production and agricultural activities.