According to the Argentine Grain Exchange (BCBA), the area allocated to the cultivation of corn for commercial grain in the 2024/25 campaign is projected to reach 6.3 million hectares. However, this estimate represents a significant reduction of 1.3 million hectares compared to the previous campaign, which corresponds to a drop of 17.1%.
Furthermore, data obtained up to the beginning of July indicate a significant decrease in planting intention, driven by three main factors. The first and most worrying is the growing uncertainty regarding the impact of viruses and bacteria associated with Dalbulus maidis, a pest known to cause substantial damage to corn crops. Consequently, this complex of diseases can seriously compromise plant health and reduce crop productivity, generating growing concern among producers.
The climate, with “la niña fraca” and “neutral frio”, can limit the water available for cultivation and delay spring rains. Thus, this can influence the decision to advance sowing to avoid the peak population of chicharrita. Finally, the economic situation is also challenging, with tight profitability and high production costs negatively impacting corn cultivation.
If the forecast comes true, the planted area will be below the levels of the 2017/18 campaign, highlighting ongoing concerns about the economic and climate conditions affecting agriculture in the region. “There is a strong intention to expand early sowing, but the onset of rains in the region limits the production plan. In this context, the current sowing intention in Córdoba indicates an annual reduction of 20.8%”, concludes the Exchange.
Source: Leonardo Gottems | agrolink
