Heavy Rainfall This Week in Central Argentina Benefit Crops

A series of intense storms across central Argentina last week resulted in significant rainfall accumulations especially in Buenos Aires province. Hot and dry weather during January had farmers concerned about drought, but rainfall increased in February and now there are concerns about too much rainfall and potential localized flooding.

The Argentina National Meteorological Service reported that the province of Buenos Aires was the epicenter of the rainfall last week which reached values of more than four inches across much of the province. The province of Cordoba also received heavy rainfall this week, especially across the north of the province.

Recent precipitation could benefit crops that are in their critical reproductive phase. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reported late last week that soybeans are rated 33% poor/very poor, 43% fair, and 24% good/excellent. The good/excellent percentage is up 7% compared to the prior week. Corn in Argentina is rated 29% poor/very poor, 50% fair, and 21% good/excellent. The good/excellent percentage is up 3% compared to the prior week. The crop conditions have improved two weeks in a row due to the increased rainfall.

Tags: corn, rainfall, soybeans, drought, dry weather, Argentina, crops