February 2000

WEATHER BRIEFS

Argentina: Some Areas Too Dry, Others Too Wet

As of February 8, 2000, some growing areas of Argentina have received plenty of rain, while others are still in need of moisture. During the first several weeks of January, dryness was a concern across northern Argentina. However, from January 23 through February 5, moderate showers were followed by torrential rains, boosting moisture supplies, but also causing local flooding, especially in eastern Formosa. Farther south, somewhat drier weather prevailed during late January and early February across southern Santa Fe and northern Buenos Aires. These areas received moderate rainfall during early to mid-January. Drier weather would improve conditions for sunflowerseed harvesting. According to reports as of February 4, Argentine soybean and corn planting were nearly complete while sunflowerseed was 10 percent harvested.

Brazil: Rain Favored Reproductive to Filling Soybeans

During the first week of February, 2000, widespread showers favored reproductive to filling soybeans, in southern Brazil, stabilizing yield potentials. This widespread rain also aided filling first-season corn and boosted planting moisture for second-crop corn. Widespread rainfall across the major soybean-producing areas has been rare during this growing season. During most of January, Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana missed out on beneficial rainfall, averaging about 55 to 65 percent of normal rainfall, stressing soybeans and corn there.

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