Argentina. 2025/26 wheat crop could be second-largest on record; soybeans 77% harvested

The 2025/26 wheat harvest could be the second largest on record, the Rosario Grain Exchange said in a report released on Friday, given favorable weather forecasts and excellent soil conditions for planting.

That would allow farmers to expand their planting area to 7.2 million hectares (17.8 million acres), the exchange said, which could yield a larger harvest of 21.2 million tons. The exchange is currently forecasting a harvest of 21 million tons.

“We hope that reality will confirm this optimistic forecast,” the exchange said.

Wheat planting began this week, but some areas have been severely delayed by heavy rains in recent days.

The government also extended a tax cut on wheat exports until March next year this week.

“This measure not only increases the profitability of producers, but also provides more opportunities for investment in technology and raw materials,” the exchange said.

SOYBEAN AT RISK

According to the exchange, the storms are also likely to further delay the soybean harvest, which has picked up slightly after previous flooding that submerged fields.

According to government data cited by the exchange, the harvest was 77% complete as of Thursday. However, in Buenos Aires province, the agricultural hub, it was only 61% complete, and in the north of the province, there has been little progress in a week.

“The excess humidity, combined with the risk of further delays in the harvest due to the inability to access the fields, raises concerns about the possible impact on the quality of the grains that have not yet been planted,” the exchange said.

This could affect the latest harvest, the exchange added, although the exchange cautioned that it was too early to make predictions.

Tags: soybean, wheat, harvesting, Argentina