Sep 02, 2021
Safrinha Corn in Paraguay Suffered Same Problems as Brazil
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Farmers in Paraguay suffered the same weather problems with their safrinha corn as did farmers in southern Brazil, especially western Parana. The results are the same as well with safrinha corn yields significantly below initial expectations. The safrinha corn in Paraguay was planted later than recommended, the weather was dryer-than-normal during the growing season, and a series of frosts impacted the corn before it could mature.
A modest safrinha corn yield in Paraguay would be in the range of 85 to 100 sacks per hectare (81 to 95.4 bu/ac), but many of the corn yields this year are closer to 50 sacks per hectare (47.7 bu/ac). The safrinha corn harvest in Paraguay is nearing completion.
In addition to the adverse weather, farmers also had problems with logistics. A 20-day truck driver strike during harvest slowed grain movement and the transport of needed inputs such as seed and fertilizers for the 2021/22 crop, which farmers will start planting in September. Low water levels on the Paraguay and Parana Rivers also impeded the movement of grain to ports in Argentina and Uruguay.
Southern Paraguay received some rains over the past week, so farmers can now start preparing for the 2021/22 growing season. Farmers in Paraguay usually plant their full-season corn first followed by soybeans. Some farmers have indicated that they will increase their full-season corn acreage to take advantage of strong domestic corn prices caused by very tight corn supplies.