Increasing Dryness across South America Raises Concern for Corn and Soybean Crops

GAITHERSBURG, MD - (December 14, 2011) As growth of the corn and soybean crops ramp up across South America, dryness is becoming an increasing concern across some crop areas. Minor dryness has recently developed across Santa Fe, Entre Rios, and northeastern Buenos Aires in east central Argentina. “Over the past 45 days these areas have generally seen 60% to 75% of normal rainfall, with rainfall deficits of 2 to 3 inches (50 to 75 mm) on average” said Kyle Tapley, Senior Agricultural Meteorologist for MDA EarthSat Weather/CropCAST. This dryness is not yet having a significant impact on crop development, but with little rainfall expected over the next week, the dryness will likely worsen and may expand into southwestern Argentina. “With La Niña expected to persist, drier than normal conditions would be favored across eastern Argentina over the next few months,” said Mr. Tapley. In west central Brazil, an area of persistent dryness has also been stressing crops across southern Mato Grosso, northern Mato Grosso do Sul, and southwestern Goias. Improvement is expected in these areas over the next week, but some dryness is likely to linger, especially in Mato Grosso do Sul. Dryness has been increasing across Rio Grande do Sul in far southern Brazil, and while some limited relief is expected over the next week, more rain will still be needed to end dryness. “Looking ahead to the balance of the growing season, the biggest area of concern in South America should be Argentina where the areas of dryness are more likely to expand as compared to Brazil, where some improvement is expected” said Mr. Tapley.

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