Sep 24, 2025
Early Planting Weather Improving in South America
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
As farmers in South America get started on their 2025/26 planting, it looks like they will be confronting a weak La Nina for at least the next few months. Generally, a La Nina results in a dryer bias for southern Brazil and Argentina and a wetter bias for central and northern Brazil. That said, most metrologists are expecting only a weak La Nina, which makes forecasting its impact on the weather more difficult. Thus far, the weather has generally been OK for the start of planting.
Brazil - The three southern states in Brazil, Parana, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, have been receiving rain for the last few months. Amounts have been heaviest in Rio Grande do Sul and lighter as you move north into northern Parana and Sao Paulo. Rainfall in central Brazil has been sporadic, but it has started to pick up recently. In Mato Grosso, the heaviest amounts have been in the western and northwestern part of the state. Generally, the summer rains start first in western Brazil, and they work their way eastward during October and November. As rainfall picks up, more Brazilian farmers will start planting their soybeans.
Argentina - Central Argentina received heavy rainfall in August resulting in localized flooding. Since then, they have continued to receive rain including this past weekend. Most areas have good soil moisture with some areas of Buenos Aires too wet.
Paraguay - Most of the soybean and corn production in Paraguay is located in eastern and southern Paraguay where there has been enough rainfall to actively start planting the 2025/26 crops. Farmers in Paraguay are allowed to start planting their corn and soybeans anytime they feel the conditions are suitable.