The weather in Argentina continued to be challenging for crop production in early February 2023. The first full week of February, week-ending Feb. 11, was one of the driest and the fourth hottest in 30+ years for Argentina’s major soybean production regions, according to data from WeatherTrends360. Analysts revised crop expectations for Argentina down further last week. If there’s any good news out of Argentina, it’s that rain in recent weeks kept production forecasts from being adjusted down further.

Some good news arrived in Brazil in the first full week of February, with this month trending as the second driest in 30+ years in Mato Grosso. Dry weather is needed at this point to get soybeans harvested and the second corn crop into the ground. 

Meanwhile, hot and dry weather continued in southern Brazil, making it the third hottest and first driest first full week of February in 30+ years for Rio Grande do Sul. Hot and dry weather are increasing concerns over crops in southern Brazil, which could impact Brazil’s overall corn and soybean production numbers.

The second full week of February 2023, week-ending Feb. 18, is expected to bring favorable shifts in the weather pattern across South America. In Argentina, showers are back in the forecast for the major producing regions. However, these showers could be hit or miss, and the chance of precipitation drops off in the second half of the week. 

Showers return to the forecast for the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, where precipitation is needed. A very hot start to the week will give way to significantly cooler temperatures by the second half of the week. The chance of showers and the decrease in temperatures are favorable for crops in southern Brazil.

Rainfall in central Brazil will be a headwind for soybean harvest, and is becoming a concern as the delayed harvest is also delaying the second corn crop planting. The second corn crop needs to get into the ground within the ideal planting window to avoid entering critical development phases during Brazil’s dry season. Unfortunately, that window closes near the end of February, so there is a sense of urgency to get the crop in the ground at this point.

Source - https://www.agriculture.com