BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) — The number of wheat fields in northern Argentina that will not be harvested due to drought is growing as more areas are being affected by lack of moisture, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange said Sept. 17.
The Pampas grains belt, usually one of the most fertile areas in the world, has suffered from dryness since June. The exchange said about 12 percent of the 16 million acres planted in Argentina this year are in the northern part of the country, where the dryness is most acute.
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“In the north of the country, where early-planted areas will soon be ready to be collected, harvesting expectations are low,” the Grains Exchange said in a report. Yields have been cut in half by the dryness in some areas, it added.
The exchange also said sowing of 2020-21 corn began in mid-September, with a total 15.3 million acres expected to be planted.
High soybean prices are expected to support planting in Argentina this season, but that will be offset by dry weather, which is driving farmers to favour late-season corn, which is also enjoying attractive prices.
