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May 22, 2002
The primary winter crop production region in southern Brazil received unusually heavy showers over the past few days, with torrential rains swamping fields of winter corn and wheat in parts of Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina. Well above normal rainfall fell over the weekend as a cold front moved eastward through the region from Paraguay, bringing a dramatic end to persistent drought which had plagued the region since March. Locations in western Parana and southern Mato Grosso do Sul recorded 200-300 millimeters (8-12 inches) of rain in just a couple of days, while locations in Sao Paulo and Santa Catarina recorded 80-150 millimeters ( 3-6 inches).
Prior to these rains, a significant portion of the winter corn crop in southern Brazil had suffered significant irreversible damage owing to persistent drought. This is particularly true in Parana, which accounts for 40 percent of national winter corn output, and where harvesting operations normally begin in June. Later harvested crops in surrounding states, however, will benefit to varying degrees from the timely moisture.
Wheat sowing operations were in full swing in the past few weeks, though some regions had experienced delays owing to drought and dry soils. Parana had recently completed an estimated 35 percent of its sowing intentions, primarily in northern and western areas of the state. These areas were afflicted with very heavy rain, and likely experienced significant flooding. Re-seeding efforts are likely to be required where early emerging crops became submerged. Waterlogged fields will also slow planting operations over a large portion of the state. In Rio Grande do Sul, wheat planting in the key northern region had just begun prior to the storms. The state received moderate to heavy rains across its wheat growing zone, which will likely slow or delay further fieldwork. In the longer term, the current available soil moisture reserves will support wheat yield prospects in coming months.
