Argentine farmers abandon some wheat fields, hope for rain

Buenos Aires | Reuters—Argentine farmers have begun abandoning some wheat fields due to an extended lack of rainfall in certain parts of its agricultural heartland, the Buenos Aires grains exchange said in a weekly report on Thursday.

Argentina is a key world supplier of wheat and its farmers have sown some 6.3 million hectares of wheat this season, according to the exchange, but prolonged dry weather in the north and west of the agricultural area is taking its toll.

“The first losses have been reported due to abandoned lots and increased pest outbreaks linked to the poor water conditions,” the exchange said.

Read Also

Food companies launch partnership to cut dairy industry’s CO2 emissions

Food companies Ajinomoto and Danone unveiled on Thursday a partnership to reduce the dairy industry’s greenhouse gas emissions using a feed additive called AjiPro®-L, which is purported to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from manure.

In the eastern agricultural area, however, it noted that some 80 per cent of wheat is enjoying normal to excellent conditions, though rain will be needed to maintain these.

Argentina’s wheat harvest begins in November. The exchange has previously warned that more rain will be needed as spring in the Southern Hemisphere is approaching fast.

The exchange added that corn farmers were beginning to sow their fields, with 7.1 per cent of the 6.3 million hectares expected this season now planted. Argentina is the world’s third-largest corn exporter.

—Reporting for Reuters by Maximilian Heath in Buenos Aires