64% soybean sowing completed in Argentina amid adverse weather conditions

19-Dec-2024 08:38 PM

In Argentina, soybean sowing is progressing but facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions. As of the end of last week, 64.7% of the planned soybean area has been sown, which is a slight improvement compared to 59.5% at the same time last year. However, the weather has started to deteriorate, which is affecting farmers' enthusiasm for soybean cultivation.

The initial plan for many farmers was to prioritize soybean planting over maize due to losses in the previous year's maize crop caused by insects and diseases.

This shift was expected to lead to an increase in soybean area and production. However, with the unfavorable weather, particularly in the northern and southern regions, farmers are now concerned about potential reductions in soybean yield.

Sowing progress varies regionally: the core soybean-producing areas are nearing 90% sowing, while the southern regions have completed 40-60%, and the far northern regions are lagging behind with less than 10% completed.

Double-crop soybeans have been sown in about 30% of the areas. In regions where sowing has been completed early, flowering has already started.

Despite these concerns, 65% of the soybean crop is being reported as encouraging, while 34% is considered normal. Only 1% is being assessed as weak or bad.

The weather conditions, however, could still lead to some reduction in production, making farmers cautious about the future outlook.

Argentina remains a key player in the global soybean market, being the third-largest producer and exporter, and the leading exporter of soybean oil and soymeal, particularly to India.