Argentina's record-breaking wheat yields this year are pushing estimates for the production even higher, though lower-than-normal protein levels have also been confirmed.
The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (SAGyP) raised its estimate for wheat production for the 2025-26 marketing year to 26.8mn metric tonnes (t) from its November forecast of 24.7mn t. The previous record was 22.15mn t, set in 2021-22, according to SAGyP.
The increased production expectations came despite SAGyP trimming its estimate for area planted to 6.8mn hectares (ha) (68,000km²) from 6.9mn ha in November.
The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange (Bage) also raised its estimate this week to 27.1mn t from the 25.5mn t it forecast at the end of November. Bage's estimate for the previous record is 22.4mn t, also set in 2021-22.
SAGyP and Bage's revisions follow a similar action by the Rosario Board of Trade (BCR) last week, who raised its estimate for the 2025-26 wheat crop to 27.7mn t from its November forecast of 24.5mn t. While these groups usually provide different figures for Argentina's production, a unanimous increase of the three projections all but ensures Aregntina's record wheat crop this year.
Reports this week also confirmed expectations of low protein levels for the record crop. Laboratories associated with BCR and the Bahia Blanca Grain and Products Exchange (BCP) both reported average protein levels below 10pc in wheat harvested in their regions. The average protein level across 28 years of data in the BCP's region was 11pc.
Corn, soybeans supported by rains
The steady rains that boosted wheat yields have also provided good soil moisture levels for Argentina's corn and soybean crops.
Corn planting advanced by more than 10 points in the week through 17 December to nearly 70pc complete, Bage said. Soil moisture levels were adequate to optimal in 93pc of the area planted, and 88pc of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition.
Rains last week in Argentina's so-called core agricultural region replenished soil moisture in many areas, though corn planted in parts of Santa Fe province need more rain to develop well, BCR said.
SAGyP raised its estimate of the area planted with corn to 10.5mn ha from the 10.3mn ha in November.
Soybean planting also advanced in the week through 17 December by 8.7 percentage points to more than 67pc finished, Bage said. Soil moisture levels were adequate to optimal for nearly 93pc of the area planted and 93pc of the crop was in good to excellent condition.
Barley acres trimmed
Argentina's barley harvest continued in the week, surpassing 40pc complete, SAGyP said.
SAGyP trimmed its estimate of the area planted to 1.4mn ha from the 1.45mn ha in November and as a result cut its forecast for production to 5.6mn t from 5.8mn t.
