Current Status of Soybean and Corn Planting
Soybean Planting Update
As of now, soybean planting has progressed to 12.9% of the projected 17.6 million hectares for the 2025/26 campaign. This reflects an 8.4 percentage point increase week-on-week, yet a concerning 7.4% year-on-year delay remains evident, alongside a 3% decrease from the average of the past five campaigns, as reported by the Buenos Aires Cereal Exchange (BCBA).
Specifically, around 18.6% of the targeted first-class soybeans have been planted, primarily in the southern regions of Córdoba. Major delays are occurring particularly in the central-west and northern Buenos Aires, largely due to water excesses that impact logistics and planting timelines.
Corn Planting Status
For corn, plantings have reached 36.6% of the intended area, albeit with a 3.6 percentage point year-on-year delay. The recent rains and good water reserves have allowed for favorable planting conditions, with 76% of corn now classified as being in good to excellent condition—an improvement compared to just 29% in the same timeframe last season.
Farmers are optimistic, anticipating that in the coming week, they will begin sowing late-date lots to further accelerate progress.
Sunflower Planting Progress
Meanwhile, sunflower planting has progressed significantly, with 84.5% of the intended 2.7 million hectares now planted, an increase of 12.9 percentage points week-on-week. The rains in the area have aided crop health, leading to 84% of standing sunflower having optimal water conditions.
The available water conditions vary across regions; the western parts recorded abundant rains, while other regions faced moderate to scarce records. Nevertheless, conditions remain favorable, particularly for the 27% of sunflowers currently transitioning to the flowering stage.