South America Calling

February could be sketchy for safrinha corn planting as showers are too abundant over the south and likely not enough across the north. Here's an extended look at what Brazil crops can expect for weather into May, thanks to a La Nina pattern.

Generous rain during January has stabilized crop prospects in Argentina.

Only short-term rainfall benefit is indicated for Argentina during the next two weeks.

La Nina values remain robust at heart of South America crop season.

While showers have been active more than the past 60 days for much of South America, amounts have been greatly underachieved. (DTN graphic)

A static, very-wet or very-dry scenario is forecast over Brazil and Argentina crop areas through the end of 2020.

Precipitation benefit remains highly variable across the large crop production region of central Brazil.

Rainfall during early December brought more variable benefit than forecasts indicated.

Forecasts for widespread beneficial rain in most of Brazil's soybean areas during the next 10 days will be closely watched.

Highest soybean production areas of Brazil have very little rain in the seven-day forecast.

A prominent climate forecast agency calls for continued dryness in South America and in the U.S. Southern Plains due to La Nina.

Precipitation during the next 10 days offers only limited crop moisture benefit for most of Brazil's production areas.

Pacific Ocean La Nina presence is already getting factored into crop projections.

Late-arriving moisture means that Brazil planting season is off to a slow start.

Showers are expected across much of the primary growing regions in South America, but needed moderate to heavy rains will be confined to just a few locations.

Rain has been reluctant to get underway in central Brazil, meaning delays in soybean planting.

Blame La Nina for Brazil staying dry past the typical start of the wet season and farmers waiting to plant their second crop.

Brazil's top soybean production state, Mato Grosso, has a later-than-average start to its rainy season indicated.

Brazil's soybean planting season faces a delayed start due to dryness.

While the U.S. is enjoying the current price advantage to Brazil on an FOB basis, leading to a surge in export demand from China for corn and soybeans, that euphoria could be short-lived.