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Brazil’s soybean planting nears finish, but delayed harvest expected

After a very slow start this year, soybean planting in Brazil is now nearing the finish line.

As of last Thursday, planting was 81 percent complete, according to Brazilian-based consulting firm AgRural.

But dry conditions in key growing areas continue to be a concern and some forecasts are calling for warmer-than-normal temperatures this week, which could further reduce soil moisture.

Meanwhile, South American crops expert Dr. Michael Cordonnier says Brazil’s planting delays will mean a later start to their soybean harvest.

“In Mato Grosso, which is the largest producer, they usually start harvesting full-force about January 15th—and they’re usually done by the end of February,” Cordonnier says. “But this year, they’ll start, maybe, February 1st, and then work through the month.”

Which means the start of Brazil’s soybean export season will also be delayed.

“Normally, they send the first vessel out of Brazil the last few days of January,” Cordonnier says. “But that’s not going to happen this year. The first vessels from Brazil might go out around February 10th or maybe February 15th.”

Cordonnier says that kind of delay would extend the opportunity for U.S. soybean export sales by another two to three weeks.

Cordonnier is with Illinois-based Soybean and Corn Advisor.

AUDIO: Dr. Michael Cordonnier