Dry weather outlook raises drought fears in Argentina’s farmlands

Corn plants affected by a long drought are pictured in a farm in 25 de Mayo, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina January 24, 2022. Picture taken January 24, 2022. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Argentina’s farm belt is set for days of hot and dry weather ahead, weather experts said on Tuesday, stoking fears among grains farmers whose corn and soy crops are in sore need of rainfall after spells of drought.

The South American country is the world’s top exporter of soybean oil and meal, and the No. 2 global exporter of corn. Both crops suffered important losses between December and the first half of January due to a drought and heat waves.

Rains in mid-January brought hope of a change in the dry climate pattern, but arid weather returned this month. Hopes are fading for abundant rains while rising temperatures have again hit the Pampas grasslands.

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SOURCE: Reuters – Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Editing by Adam Jourdan and David Gregorio