Favorable precipitation will occur in the main grain exporting countries in the near future

Much of the Midwest and Central Plains have seen heavy rains this week, which will improve pre-planting soil moisture and the condition of winter crops, although it will delay spring planting. Dryer weather will set in early next week, allowing for faster planting, with more precipitation expected later in the week.

In the Southern Plains of the United States, especially in the Southwest, precipitation will be limited, so the drought that has been building over the past few months will intensify and crop conditions will continue to deteriorate. Precipitation is forecast for next week, but less than in the central regions.

The northern Plains have been experiencing rain and snow this week, and next week two cyclones will bring snow and frost, which will delay field work.

Short-term rainfall continues in central Brazil, but to create good moisture reserves for the second crop of corn in April, heavier rainfall is needed to build up moisture ahead of the dry season in May. A front moving in from Argentina next week could bring heavier showers, but heavy rainfall is not yet forecast for the second half of April.

Rains fell in Argentina this week, helping late soybean and corn crops develop but delaying the harvest of sunflower and early corn and soybean crops.

Europe remains in fairly good conditions with consistent rainfall, and this week the eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea and north-eastern regions received rain, improving soil moisture and the condition of winter crops. Heavier rainfall is expected across Europe next week.

Several waves of precipitation have passed in Ukraine and the southwestern regions of the Russian Federation, which improves conditions for the resumption of winter vegetation and a good start to sowing early crops. Next week, a new cyclone will bring cooling and additional precipitation, in places with snow, which will delay sowing.

Heavy rains in Western Australia over the weekend have helped prepare the soil for winter wheat and canola planting. Dry weather in the east is helping cotton and sorghum harvests, but more moisture is needed for wheat and canola plantings. Rains next week will be limited and will be concentrated in the west.

Tags: Australia, Ukraine, Brazil, EU, USA, crop condition, Argentina