Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Southern Plains rain, and a steady round of precipitation in central Brazil, are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

RAIN IN MIDWEST

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for periods of showers, seasonal temperatures, and generally favorable conditions for the upcoming spring planting season in the Midwest. Coverage will be heaviest in the central, eastern, and southern sectors. The rain is generally favorable for crop moisture, but some disruption in spring fieldwork will also occur.

CONTINUED RAIN IN SOUTHERN PLAINS

Rain continues in the Southern Plains. Moderate to very heavy amounts have been noted during the past 24 hours, with more following. The rain will favor developing wheat and end any dryness concerns that have been building during the late winter and early spring periods. Local fields may experience problems due to flooding and severe weather, but the benefits from the rain will far outweigh any damage due to severe weather.

FAVORABLE PRAIRIES DRY PATTERN

In the Canadian Prairies, no significant precipitation is expected during the next week. This is favorable for field drying in wetter areas.

CENTRAL BRAZIL RAIN

Central Brazil continues to be the focus area for moderate to locally heavy rain. This is favorable for developing second crop corn. Drier conditions in southern Brazil favor soybean harvest, but rain would be welcome for the second-crop corn in this sector.

SOUTHERN ARGENTINA RAIN

In Argentina, favorable conditions for late-filling and maturing corn and soybeans are in effect in the major growing areas. However, very heavy rains in the southern state of La Pampa may cause severe flooding in some minor growing areas.

PROMISING EUROPE CONDITIONS

Across Europe, generous rains during March have helped ease concerns for crops that are well ahead of normal development.

EARLY UKRAINE SPRING

Recent warm weather has melted much, if not all, of the protective snow cover and even lead to some greening of crops in some sectors of Ukraine and Russia. The crop would be more vulnerable if it turns to colder conditions.

HOT INDIA PATTERN

Wintertime showers and lower temperatures has likely favored winter crops across Pakistan and north India. A turn to drier, hotter weather more recently should favor maturing winter crops, but may be somewhat unfavorable for late-developing crops.

WARM SOUTH AFRICA TREND

In South Africa, crops will benefit from a warmer period with only scattered shower activity, after prior heavy rains hit the region.

DEBBIE THREATENS AUSTRALIA AG

Along the northeast Australia coast, remnants from strong cyclone Debbie will turn south and then southeast. Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms are expected to move into the major sorghum and cotton areas during the next 24 to 36 hours. Sorghum and cotton are being harvested this time of year. Sugarcane is developing. Damage to these crops appears likely. Severe damage is possible in some locations.

Bryce Anderson can be reached at bryce.anderson@dtn.com

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