Argentina's wheat harvest advanced in the latest week, registering high yields and low protein content as work moved south into areas that typically produce higher-quality grain.
The wheat harvest advanced 11.4 percentage points in the week through 3 December, reaching just over 45pc completion, the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange (Bage) reported. Yields so far range from 3.5 metric tonnes (t) per hectare (ha) to 5.9t/ha, with the national average reported at a record 3.92t/ha. Bage maintained its forecast for production of 25.5mn t.
Yields in Argentina's so-called core agricultural area are even higher, from about 5t/ha to as high as 7t/ha, according to the Rosario Board of Trade (BCR). The core area, consisting of parts of the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Santa Fe, is producing wheat with uneven test weights depending on variety and "extremely low" protein and gluten levels, BCR said.
The wheat harvesting was again delayed by rain in parts of central and southern Buenos Aires province, though work advanced more in the central region while it is just starting in the south of the province, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (SAGyP) said.
Some southern regions of Buenos Aires province, particularly around the port city of Bahia Blanca, generally produce lower yields and higher protein content compared with other parts of the country, according to market participants. Yields around Bahia Blanca are expected to be higher than normal this year, but not as high as in areas to the north, they said.
Soybeans overtake corn
Soybean planting progressed 8.7 points in the week through 3 December, reaching 44.7pc complete, Bage said. That was 9 points behind the same time last year and 1.1 point behind the five year average.
Planting of early soybeans is nearly finished, with work in some areas in central Buenos Aires province delayed by soggy fields, Bage reported. Planting of late soybeans is advancing where harvesting of wheat and other crops has finished, according to the Exchange.
Recent precipitation in the core region has left good soil moisture levels in areas planted with soybeans, BCR reported. Farmers in some parts of the core are applying more fertilizer with an eye to boosting yields, though not all producers have the financial resources to boost fertilizer use, according to the Board.
Corn planting lagged soybean sowing in the week, advancing 5 points to 44pc finished, Bage said. In the area already planted, 86pc of the crop is in good to excellent condition, and 94pc of the total estimated area has adequate to optimal soil moisture levels.
Barley harvesting continued in the week, despite some flooded fields. The crop remained in generally good condition, despite the appearance of some diseases, with yields ranging from 2.9t/ha to 4.3t/ha, SAGyP reported.
By Jeffrey T. Lewis
