Jan 07, 2025
2024/25 Argentina Corn 87% Planted, Dryness Developing
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Rainfall over the weekend favored western and southwestern regions with most of the country remaining dry. The rains led to only minor improvements in soil moisture. Significant dryness remains across much of Argentina leading to moisture stress for both corn and soybeans. The forecast is calling for limited showers this week in western and southern areas with only limited showers next week.
Early planted corn in Argentina has received enough moisture up until now for adequate crop development, but the situation is now turning dryer as the crop's water demand increases. Moisture stress is starting to be reported on corn in central and eastern Argentina. Lower leaves of the more mature corn are starting to turn brown with leaves rolling on the later planted corn. As the corn develops and the temperatures increase, the crop is going to need more moisture than what is in the forecast.
The 2024/25 corn estimate in Argentina was left unchanged this week at 50.0 million tons with a neutral to lower bias going forward. Yields of the later planted corn could be impacted the most if the dry pattern persists, especially if there are above normal temperatures.
Corn in Argentina was 87.4% planted as of late last week which represents an increase of 6.5% for the week. In the core production areas, the corn is 99% planted with 90-95% planted in southern Argentina and 30-40% planted in far northern Argentina. Below is the corn planting progress in Argentina for January 2, 2025 from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange.
The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange did not issue a corn rating last week. Soil moisture for the corn is rated 18% short/very short and 82% favorable/optimum. The favorable/optimum percentage is down 6% from the prior week.
2024/25 Argentina Corn Ratings*
| Condition | Soil Moisture | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor/V. Poor % | Good/Excellent % | Short/V Short | Favorable/Optimum | |
| Nov 27, 2024 | 3 (2) | 41 (26) | 7 (24) | 92 (76) |
| Dec 4, 2024 | 1 (2) | 43 (36) | 3 (24) | 96 (75) |
| Dec 11, 2024 | 3 (1) | 51 (40) | 5 (25) | 94 (75) |
| Dec 18, 2024 | 2 (1) | 46 (37) | 9 (16) | 91 (83) |
| Dec 26, 2024 | 3 (0) | 47 (38) | 12 (13) | 88 (87) |
*Source: Buenos Aires Grain Exchange – Crop Condition & Development Stages