Commodities Market Impact Weather

Harvest Conditions Improving in Western Corn Belt

John Baranick
By  John Baranick , DTN Meteorologist

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- Heavy rain across the eastern Midwest but drying conditions to the west and the start of central Brazil's wet season are the weather factors holding the market's attention Wednesday.

HARVEST DELAYS FOR EASTERN MIDWEST

A system continues to bring rounds of showers through the eastern Midwest through Thursday. There have been some pockets of moderate to heavy rain that have likely delayed harvest progress. There could be some spotty showers Friday and Saturday as well. Soil moisture had been declining for winter wheat but showers this week should help sustain good soil moisture for establishment. Most of the region will see a drying and warming trend starting this weekend, but eastern areas may find some isolated showers next week.

DRYING OUT FOR THE SOUTHERN PLAINS

A front brought limited showers to the Southern Plains over the past couple of days and will be going on a drier trend to end September. This should allow some better conditions for harvest. Soil moisture continues to be relatively low for much of the region and showers are needed for emerging winter wheat, but temperatures going above normal will likely stress young plants. Models try to bring showers into the region next week despite a strong ridge, so the forecast may change over the next week.

HARVEST CONDITIONS IMPROVING FOR NORTHERN PLAINS

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Scattered showers moved through the Northern Plains earlier this week, but the region will be on a drier trend for the next week. Temperatures will be somewhat variable for the next few days, but trend above normal next week to help with the drying process and help producers get out to harvest more. The drought will continue, however.

DELTA DRYING OUT

Isolated to scattered showers moved through the Delta since the weekend, delaying maturing and harvest of cotton and soybeans, but favoring winter wheat planting and establishment. The region now turns drier to finish out September with better conditions for harvest.

SOUTHEAST RAINS ENDING WEDNESDAY

Scattered moderate to heavy showers continue in the Southeast Wednesday, causing some quality issues and delays to cotton harvest. Afterward, drier conditions will then be expected to aid in maturing crops and harvest.

COOL AND SHOWERY IN THE BLACK SEA

Scattered showers will continue through the Black Sea region this week as a trough spins overhead and another comes in for the weekend. This will cause some delays for harvest of corn and sunflowers but will have a positive impact on soil moisture for winter wheat planting and establishment. More showers are needed in Russia, however, even after this rainfall.

SHOWERS FORECAST FOR CENTRAL BRAZIL

Southern Brazil continued to see showers over the last several days, benefiting winter wheat and corn and soybean planting and establishment. Central states are still awaiting the start of the wet season. A weak front that moves north could produce some beneficial showers for central states this weekend and it could be the start of the wet season. This would cause more widespread soybean planting, generally on time.

MORE RAIN NEEDED IN ARGENTINA

Some scattered showers moved through Argentina Sunday and Monday, but the country will be drier for the rest of the week. Wheat has received beneficial rainfall lately, but more is needed for corn and soybean planting and establishment. Another system may bring showers next week.

John Baranick can be reached at john.baranick@dtn.com

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John Baranick