Weather Extremes Challenge Harvest in South America, Impacting Crop Yields

South American agriculture faces significant hurdles as erratic weather patterns, including heavy rains and dramatic temperature shifts, impact the crucial harvest season in Brazil and Argentina. In Brazil, the soybean harvest progress is slightly delayed at 69% complete, with total production estimated to be 5.8% lower than last year, at 148 million metric tons. The delay comes amidst forecasts of torrential rains in key agricultural regions, potentially hampering the final days of the soybean harvest in states like Mato Grosso do Sul and Tocantins.

Argentina’s situation mirrors Brazil’s challenges, with the early corn harvest lagging behind the historical average due to excessive rainfall that has left fields flooded. Buenos Aires and Santa Fe experienced up to 10 inches of rain last week, with hail in some areas exacerbating the difficulties for farmers. Despite the adverse conditions, a dry, sunny forecast promises a brief respite and a chance to resume harvest activities.

The southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná are also bracing for a substantial temperature drop following nearly 4 inches of rain, complicating the already delayed soybean and corn harvests. In Paraná, agronomists have reported cases of corn stunt disease, further threatening crop yields.