Rainfall in the USA, Drought in Argentina and the Black Sea Region Affect Agricultural Prices
This is reported by AgroReview
This week, heavy rains fell across most wheat-growing areas in the USA, significantly reducing drought conditions and replenishing moisture reserves ahead of the spring wheat planting season. Forecasts indicate that additional rainfall is expected next week in the Midwest, with temperatures rising to 15-20 oC, which will facilitate a more active start to the planting of spring crops.
“This week, powerful rains swept across the entire wheat-growing territory in the USA, reducing the drought conditions that prevailed in certain areas and replenishing moisture reserves before the start of spring wheat planting. Next week, additional rainfall and rising temperatures to 15-20 oC are expected in the Midwest, which will accelerate the planting of spring crops.”
Changes in Weather Conditions in the USA and South America
In the central and southern plains of the USA, rains were also observed this week, which will continue over the weekend. However, next week, the amount of rainfall is expected to decrease, and temperatures will drop to 0-7 oC, which will help retain soil moisture.
In central and southern Brazil, rainfall has decreased, allowing for the acceleration of soybean harvesting and the planting of second-crop corn. Meanwhile, heavy rains in the northern part of the country complicate the completion of the harvest, planting, and transportation of grain to ports. It is expected that next week, rainfall in the southern and central regions of Brazil will intensify again, positively impacting the development of corn crops. It is noted that the amount of rainfall over the next 3-4 weeks, leading up to the start of the dry season in April-May, will be crucial for the future harvest.
Drought Conditions in Argentina and the Black Sea Region
This week in Argentina, there were minor rains, which were insufficient to improve the condition of corn and soybean crops. Overall, the amount of rainfall was significantly lower than expected, with only the northern part of the country forecasted to receive additional rain over the weekend. Limited rainfall is expected in Argentina next week; however, moderate temperatures ranging from 20-25 oC will somewhat reduce moisture loss and lessen stress on the plants.
According to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, as of now, 7.2% of the first-crop corn area in Argentina has been harvested. The production estimate remains at 57 million tons, which is more than last year when the harvest was 50 million tons. The share of soybean crops in good or excellent condition has increased by 1% to 30%, but this figure still lags behind last year’s results.
In the Mediterranean and Spain, productive rains continue, replenishing moisture reserves and improving harvest prospects. In France and Germany, a new wave of rainfall is expected soon, which, along with rising temperatures, will facilitate planting.
In the Black Sea regions, dry weather with low temperatures will persist in the coming days, helping to retain soil moisture and allowing for the start of spring crop planting. However, moisture reserves in the soil remain uneven, and stable rainfall will be needed for active crop growth in the coming weeks.
Recently, heavy rains occurred in the southeast of Australia, positively affecting soil moisture for cotton and sorghum cultivation. Meteorologists predict significant rainfall in March, which will aid in moisture accumulation before the start of winter crop planting.