South America: Growing Season Snapshot

The South American crop growing season is currently underway. Gro Intelligence data and applications like the Climate Risk Navigator provide insights into critical factors affecting the growing season including temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions for key crops in the region.  In this snapshot, learn what variables will be important to monitor this season that determine healthy conditions for Soybean and Corn production. Reach out to Gro with any questions on these and other crops, countries, displays, and curated datasets. 

Soybeans

Key Notes for Soybean Growing Season

• Soil moisture + Precipitation: Proper rainfall is key for crop conditions during the growing season. Soybeans require warm soil that is not too wet for optimal growing.  
• Brazil has begun harvesting its soybean crop, but this may be slowed by potential heavy rainfall in the forecast. Timely harvesting is necessary to make room for Brazil’s 2nd corn crop (safrinha corn) to be planted on schedule.  
• Lingering dry conditions have lowered crop conditions in Argentina, however they are still in much better shape than the historically poor conditions at this point in 2023.  Rainfall will be key in the late February and early march for a healthy return for the crop. 
• Gro’s Argentina and Brazil Soybean Yield Forecast models, which are now active, update daily and can be monitored for impacts on yield throughout the growing season. 

Key Displays

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here.

Corn

Key Notes for Corn Growing Season

• Timing: Planting is in the early stages (and slightly ahead of schedule) for Brazil’s second corn crop, or safrinha, which accounts for some 70% of the country’s total corn production. The 2nd corn crop is planted immediately following the Brazil soybean harvest to avoid the corn crop maturing in the dry season, which starts in mid-April.
• Soil Moisture levels in Brazil’s corn growing regions are near 14 year lows. Mato Grosso, Brazil’s top safrinha corn producer, has seen recent rainfall, however this boost has been more than offset by continued dry conditions in the 2nd and 3rd highest producing states, Paraña and Mato Grosso do Sul, respectively. 
• Precipitation: 
  • The health of Brazil’s safrinha crop will be heavily influenced throughout February and March by the level of rainfall in the 3 key growing regions.  
  • Despite recent hot and dry conditions in Argentina Corn growing regions, prices are hovering at near 3 year lows thanks to a return of heavy rainfall and moderating temperatures. 
• Brazil is the largest exporter of corn in the world, trailed closely by the US and then by Argentina. 
• Gro’s Argentina and Brazil Corn Yield Forecast models are active and incorporate each of the elements noted above. The models update daily and can be monitored for impacts on yield throughout the growing season. 

Key Displays

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here.

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here.

Questions? Contact us today!