Crops activities are currently suffering from dryer weather conditions for a number of weeks in Southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Uruguay, driven by high temperature and limited rainfall.

In some areas, it has deteriorated to the point that soybean or corn sowing have been suspended, waiting for additional moisture.

For our own grain production performed in Uruguay: Soybean #1 planted by mid-November is doing fine so far at Santa Maria (over 430 has) while the situation is getting more complicated at La Esperanza (over 700 has) due to lack of water during pollination.

Furthermore, we just completed second-crop sowing of soybean (over 370 has) and of corn (280 has) in Santa Maria after being delayed various time due soil conditions (lack of moisture and rain to insure germination).

Those conditions have the potential to reduce yields and quality of grains. If the situation persists, cattle operation might also be affected (pasture contraction). Rains are expected to improve conditions.

“Uruguay climate report December 2017 and forecast 2018, published by INIA”