South America Calling

As expected, mid-February rain in Argentina offered only partial coverage for major crop areas.

Dry weather continues to stress corn and soybeans in central Argentina.

Scattered rain in central Argentina Thursday and Friday, February 8-9, was less beneficial than had been hoped.

Prospects for rain in dry areas of central Argentina during the Feb. 9-11 weekend will be closely watched.

The most crop-threatening weather this growing season has become established in central Argentina.

Weekend rainfall chances in Argentina look less promising.

Only light rain is forecast for the southern crop areas of South America through mid-January.

In a simple survey on a conference with more than 160 Mato Grosso farmers in Cuiaba, DTN found that most of the farmers believe their soybean crops are better than last year. Mato Grosso is generally responsible for about one-third of Brazil's entire soybean crop.

Dry conditions in Argentina's main crop areas have been noteworthy.

Generous rain in central Brazil so far makes up for a drier trend in southern Brazil and Argentina.

One of the reasons why global nitrogen prices rose in recent months is because China exported less urea in 2017. Meanwhile, Brazil's insatiable appetite for urea imports is also a big influence on what happens internationally.

Dry weather conditions have delayed soybean planting in Argentina, but are benefiting the wheat and barley harvest.

The U.S. and Australia have now both said a weak La Nina is in effect, with South America feeling the greatest impact.

Soybean planting progress in Mato Grosso, Brazil, is about 87%, a little behind last year's 90%, but better than five-year average of 83%. There will be good chances for catching up next week.

Central Brazil is getting much-needed rain that will help speed up planting soybeans, which is currently lagging last year's pace.

Brazil's farmers want to expand their soybean acreage, but more rain is needed. Planting has been delayed, or some crops already in the ground may need to be replanted if rain doesn't come soon.

The Brazilian government has decided to hit ethanol imports from the United States with a 20% tariff.

The U.S. Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced a "critical circumstances" finding in an ongoing anti-dumping investigation of biodiesel imports from Argentina into the United States.

A 60-million-gallon corn ethanol plant launched production in Brazil this week.

The ethanol industry in the United States has avoided a possible tariff on exports to Brazil, at least for the time being.