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Nov. 2, 2001
Heavy rains in the main growing areas of central Argentina continued, further delaying corn and sunflower planting for the 2001/02 summer crop. According to the Argentine Ministry of Agriculture (SAGPyA), corn planting is 46 percent complete and sunflower planting is 21 percent complete as of October 26, 2001. Corn planting progress is the slowest in the last five years, although rapid progress was made this past week. This year’s sunflower planting is similar to last year’s pace, but behind the previous four years.
Above- normal precipitation since September 15 across the main growing areas in central Argentina has caused localized flooding. More than 12 inches of rain (300 millimeters) has fallen in southern Cordoba and northwestern Buenos Aires provinces in the period September 15 to October 28, 2001. Area lost due to flooding and poor drainage in northwestern Buenos Aires province may affect planted area for corn and sunflower, but has little effect on soybean planted area. Soybean planting does not begin until the first week of November and continues until January.
Recent satellite imagery (October 22, 2001) of the affected areas confirm the standing water and saturated soils in southern Cordoba and northwestern Buenos Aires province, especially compared to satellite imagery of the areas before the heavy rainfall. A side-by side comparison of the before and after satellite images illustrates the affected areas.
Argentine corn production is centered in northern Buenos Aires, southern Santa Fe, and in central Cordoba provinces. Sunflower production is concentrated in southern and northwestern Buenos Aires, southern Cordoba, and La Pampa provinces. Soybean production is centered in southern Santa Fe, eastern Cordoba, and northern Buenos Aires provinces.
Persistent, heavy rains in northern Buenos Aires, southern Cordoba, and southern Santa Fe provinces may cause Argentine corn producers to rethink their planting intentions and switch to soybean planting.
