Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- A hard freeze for parts of the central U.S., snow in the northern Midwest, and some chances for rain in South America during the next few days, are key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Friday.

HARVEST SLOWED DOWN IN MIDWEST

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for wet conditions and a turn to much colder weather at the end of this week. This will keep harvest progress slow for corn and soybeans. Snow in northwest areas today may complicate matters for a time. A hard freeze is expected through much of the western and central Midwest this weekend; for many areas, this will be the first time this season.

FREEZE FOR SOUTHERN PLAINS

In the Southern Plains, favorable conditions are seen for planting and developing winter wheat, except for this weekend's colder weather that will slow development for a time. A hard freeze appears likely this weekend as lows will range mostly between 18 and 22 Fahrenheit, except in east and south Oklahoma and north Texas where lows will be 23 to 28 F. Saturday morning appears to be the coldest.

COOLER, SOME SHOWERS IN BRAZIL

Recent hot, dry weather has slowed soybean and corn planting in central Brazil and may force some replanting. Some beneficial showers and cooler weather early this week was likely not enough to end concerns. There is some chance for more showers and not as hot this weekend and early next week. Wet weather is southern Brazil slows fieldwork, including planting of soybeans and corn and harvesting of winter wheat, especially in Parana.

RAIN IN ARGENTINA

Argentina's primary crop areas saw rainfall overnight that will maintain favorable conditions for development of earlier-planted corn and sunflower, while only briefly delaying planting progress for these crops and any early soybean planting. Showers also will favor developing winter wheat.

RAINS IN AUSTRALIA

Recent rainfall through east-central Australia will favor germination and early development of sorghum and cotton, but may also slow planting progress somewhat. Rain is too late to help winter wheat and is unfavorable for the maturing crop and likely will slow harvesting.

PRECIPITATION FOR UKRAINE/SOUTH RUSSIA

Episodes of light to moderate precipitation during the coming week may help recharge soil moisture for winter grains while also delaying any late-autumn fieldwork in Ukraine and south Russia. However, a turn to colder weather will also slow development that will limit the chances for improved condition of the crop heading into winter dormancy.

DRIER, HOTTER WEEK AHEAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Significant rain activity has been reported in key growing areas during October. This should help condition soils for planting. Planting is likely ongoing in the eastern belt. Farmers in the west normally plant later, but some may take advantage of the early moisture and begin planting sooner, rather than later. A drying trend is possible next week, along with potentially hot weather. This may slow down planting.

Elaine Shein can be reached at elaine.shein@dtn.com

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