Heavy rains starting on 29 August hit Argentina's most productive agricultural areas, leaving some sodden fields even more saturated and raising concerns about the possible impact on quality and production of crops including wheat and corn.
About 90pc of Argentina's so-called core agricultural region received at least 100mm (4 inches) in the period, and some areas received more than twice that, according to the Rosario board of trade BCR. It will take at least a few days for muddy fields and rural roads to drain enough for work in the fields to resume.
That amount of precipitation is unusual for this time of year and the abundant rain could have a negative impact on the wheat crop in low areas while increasing the risk of diseases, BCR said. The corn planting season, which normally begins in early September, will also be delayed and some fertilizer that has been spread could be lost.
The impact of the storm was widespread, and some barley and wheat might have already been lost, but market participants say it is too soon to measure the damage. Fields that have not been flooded will be left with good soil moisture levels, which should boost yields for wheat and corn, one source said.
