40% of Paraguay’s Safrinha Corn Planted Outside Normal Window

The delayed soybean harvest forced farmers in Paraguay to plant their safrinha corn outside of the ideal planting window, which closes at the end of February. It is estimated that 40% of the safrinha corn was planted in March.

According to the director of the consulting firm Dasagro, the delayed planting could result in potentially lower corn yields. Corn yields in Paraguay usually average in the range of 6,100 to 6,700 kg/ha (97 to 106 bu/ac), but this year, the firm is expecting a corn yield of 5,700 kg/ha (90.6 bu/ac).

The late planting also increases the risk of frost damage before the corn matures. There is no indication of a frost any time soon, but any frost during May could expose 100% of the corn to potential damage. A frost before the end of June has the potential to negatively impact the later planted safrinha corn. Currently, corn is rated 30% in vegetative development, 50% pollinating, and 20% filling grain.

Tags: Paraguay, harvest, corn, planting, estimate, soybean, yields, safrinha corn