Hot and Dry Weather Impacting Safrinha Corn in Brazil

A blocking high pressure system in central Brazil is keeping most of central Brazil hot and dry while preventing any cold fronts from moving into central Brazil. The high-pressure system (which rotates counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere), is funneling moisture from the Amazon down across western Brazil and into the state of Rio Grande do Sul causing the worst flooding in the state’s history. Rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul eased over the weekend, but more rain is expected this week.

The weather in south-central Brazil will probably result in a poor finish for the safrinha corn. The question is whether good yields in Mato Grosso and Goias will be able to compensate for expected lower yields in Parana, southern Mato Grosso do Sul, and Sao Paulo. Additionally, the safrinha corn acreage is still uncertain with a wide range of estimates for the safrinha acreage.

Safrinha corn in south-central Brazil is not only being impacted by hot and dry weather, but also by corn leafhoppers in the state of Parana. Some producers have had to apply insecticide every three days trying to control the leafhoppers, but to little avail.

Tags: Brazil, weather, dry weather, acreage, safrinha corn, leafhoppers