Dec 07, 2022

2022/23 Argentina Corn 25% Planted vs. 40% Average

Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.

The corn planting continues to be delayed by adverse weather which shows little sign of near-term improvement. I lowered the corn estimate 1.0 million tons again this week to 48.0 million due mainly to the poor start for the early planted corn which is now entering its reproductive phase under hot and dry conditions. In central Argentina, the temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s F to at or above 100°F this week as the early planted corn starts to pollinate.

Farmers are also starting to plant their late corn, which this year will account for approximately three-quarters of Argentina's total corn crop. Planting may continue to be delayed by a lack of soil moisture and there could also be some problems with germination and emergence

The 2022/23 corn in Argentina was 25.4% planted as of late last week compared to 31% last year and 39.3% average. This represented an advance of 1.6% for the week. In the core production areas, the corn is 65-75% planted with 35-40% planted in southern Argentina and 0% planted in far northern Argentina.

The condition of the corn crop in Argentina improved a little last week with the corn rated 25% poor/very poor, 61% fair, and 14% good/excellent. The good/excellent percentage is up 2% from the prior week. The soil moisture for the corn is rated 30% short/very short and 70% favorable-optimum. The favorable/optimum is up 2% from the prior week.

2022/23 Argentina Corn Ratings*

ConditionSoil Moisture
Poor/V. Poor %Good/Excellent %Short/V ShortFavorable/Optimum
Oct. 27, 2022 35 (0) 10 (73) 42 (24) 58 (76)
Nov. 3, 2022 38 (0) 6 (82) 39 (15) 61 (85)
Nov. 10, 2022 34 (0) 9 (84) 42 (11) 58 (89)
Nov. 17, 2022 28 (0) 11 (91) 34 (7) 66 (93)
Nov. 24, 2022 25 (1) 12 (81) 32 (34) 68 (66)
Dec. 1, 2022 25 (0) 14 (91) 30 (7) 70 (93)
*Source: Buenos Aires Grain Exchange – Crop Condition & Development Stages