Apr 20, 2022

2021/22 Argentina Corn 19.4% Harvested vs. 24.5% Average

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

Wet weather has slowed the corn harvest pace and kept grain moisture at elevated levels. The lowest yields are probably what are being reported from the early planted corn. The later planted corn entered its reproductive phase under better conditions and could end up with higher yields than the early planted corn.

The 2021/22 Argentina corn was 19.4% harvested as of late last week compared to 14.2% last year and 24.5% average. This represented an advance of 2.4% for the week. In the core production areas, the corn is 60-80% harvested with 5-15% harvested in southern Argentina and 0% harvested in far northern Argentina. The early planted corn is 41% harvested while the later planted corn is 17% mature and 0% harvested.

According to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, the average corn yield thus far is 6,330 kg/ha (100.6 bu/ac) which is up 2.2 bu/ac from the prior week. The average corn yield by crop reporting district ranges from a low of approximately 4,000 kg/ha (63.6 bu/ac) to a high of 8,400 kg/ha (133.5 bu/ac). The highest yields are being reported in western Buenos Aires and northern La Pampa, which is also the area of the highest soybean yields.

The Argentina corn was rated 22% poor/very poor, 58% fair, and 20% good/excellent. The good/excellent percentage was down 1 point from the prior week. Yields of the early planted corn continue to be below initial expectations, while most of the later planted corn is currently in good condition.