Farmers in Argentina are choosing to increase planting of soy this season, due to the impact of the dry weather and the fear of diseases transmitted by the leafhopper insect, which harmed corn crops. The Rosario Grain Exchange released the information last Wednesday.
The estimate for the soybean planting area in the 2024/25 harvest is 17.7 million hectares, representing a growth of 7.5% compared to the previous season, as indicated by the exchange.
Soybean production could reach 53 million tons
The increase in soybean planting could raise the harvest to 52 to 53 million tons, according to the report.
On the other hand, the area allocated to corn cultivation in the 2024/25 harvest is being reduced, as farmers need to sow earlier to avoid the spread of the spiroplasma bacteria, transmitted by leafhoppers.
Delayed rains worry farmers
However, the exchange warned that the expected “September rains are not coming”, leaving many farmers in a critical situation. Some producers are “forcing” corn planting, even with soil in the central growing region showing below-ideal moisture levels.
According to the stock exchange, this situation increases dependence on rain in the coming weeks, which will be crucial for the success of crops.
The corn planting area could be reduced by 21% compared to the previous season, and is expected to occupy only 8 million hectares. Consequently, this reduction could result in a harvest of between 51 million and 52 million tons. This is according to the most recent data from the Rosario Grain Exchange.
Source: Lucila Sigal | Notícias Agrícolas
