Argentina expects wheat harvest to tie 2021-22 record levels

Argentina is expected to produce 23 million tonnes of wheat, matching the record production of 2021-22, according to the monthly estimate provided by the Rosario grains exchange in early October.

With good soil moisture, an estimated 6.7 million hectares of wheat was planted, according to the exchange. Industry leaders told the exchange that, “We’ve never seen wheat like this.”

The nation saw unprecedented rainfall in July and August, with several records set in August. For example, rainfall in Gancedo, Chaco, exceeded 115 years of monthly historical records.

However, wheat must overcome several pitfalls that come from nowhere, it said, including late frost of pulses of very hot air that can blow it away during filling.

The national average yield is estimated at 131 bushels per hectare.

Excess water has reduced the planted area by 403,000 hectares, including 210,000 hectares in Buenos Aires.

“Annual rainfall has accumulated between 1,100 and 1,500 mm in the most affected areas,” the exchange said. “The province has received almost double the average rainfall from Jan. 1 to Oct. 8. It is important to note that the storms were concentrated in the fall, but also in the winter, during the season when it rarely rains.”

Early corn is being planted on time despite the rains, according to the report, with about 28% of the total planted in September.

Corn is on track to reach 9.7 million hectares with production of about 61 million tonnes, a record high.

Soybean planting also has begun with an estimated 16.4 million hectares planned for this season, a 7% year-over-year decrease. With normal weather conditions, production is estimated at 47 million tonnes.

Tags: soybeans, Production, wheat, pulses, Argentina, estimate, corn