November 9, 2001

Argentina: Area Decreases for Corn, Sunflower, and Wheat; Increases Expected for Soybean Area 

Heavy rains in the main growing areas of central Argentina have damaged wheat and delayed corn and sunflower planting for the 2001/02 summer crop. Soybean area is expected to increase by 300,000 hectares as farmers shift away from corn and sunflower.  Planting intentions for corn and sunflower were reduced by 350,000 hectares from last month, and wheat area was reduced 100,000 hectares, resulting in changes to Argentina’s crop production estimates.

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, southern Santa Fe, northwestern Buenos Aires, and northern La Pampa provinces in the period September 15 to October 31, 2001. Six delegacions have been affected the most in these provinces, accounting for 15 percent of the national wheat area, 24 percent for corn, 26 percent for sunflower, and 17 percent for soybean. The heavy rains and poor drainage has increased the amount of area covered by standing water by over 140,000 hectares. Recent satellite imagery (October 31, 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 (September 14, 2001).  A side-by side comparison of the before and after satellite images illustrates the affected areas. Satellite imagery has been used to quantify the amount of area covered by standing water.

The heavy rains have delayed corn and sunflower planting. According to the Argentine Ministry of Agriculture (SAGPyA), corn planting is 53 percent complete and sunflower planting is 27 percent complete as of November 2, 2001. Corn’s 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. Soybean planting does not begin until the first week of November and continues until January.

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. The major growing areas for Argentine wheat are in southern Buenos Aires province

Continued rains in northern Buenos Aires, southern Cordoba, and southern Santa Fe provinces may cause a rapid increase in the amount of standing water and loss of cropland. The poorly draining area is saturated and the excessive water may form small ponds and lakes. 

For more information, contact  Robert Tetrault with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division 

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