|
|
|
|
|
|
October 1999
In 1999/2000, Argentina is forecast to increase planted
area over last season to the major field crops (wheat, soybeans,
corn, sunflowerseed, cotton and sorghum). With the exception of
cotton and sunflowerseeds, all these crops are projected to equal
or exceed the 1998/99 season plantings, as producers seek to
maximize revenue. Record wheat and corn areas were planted in the
1996/97 season in response to high international prices, bringing
a record total area into production. For the three years since
then, total planted area for the major crops has exceeded 21.5
million hectares, almost 20 percent higher than the average
previous 5 years. Wheat and corn area have fluctuated somewhat
year-to-year, while areas planted to soybeans and sunflowerseed
have been generally increasing. Although soybean area this year
is forecast to be unchanged from 1998/99, the second crop soybean
area is expected to increase due to recent stronger soybean
prices and a larger wheat area. For sunflowerseeds, lower prices
relative to other crops and a dry start for planting has
constrained area this season. Cotton area is forecast to drop
below the 1998/99 level as three consecutive poor crops and
little government support has left the producers in a tight
financial situation.
|
|