Despite ongoing weather problems – cold conditions, excessive rain and flooding – Argentine peanut growers are set to produce the second largest crop in the last 9 years. Estimates put total in-shell production at 1.09 million metric tons (MT).
That estimate is based on a report issued by the Cereals Board of Cordoba, the nation’s major peanut production province. At this point, digging and threshing progress have reached 74% and 11% in the province of Cordoba, respectively.
Rainfall amounts in March and April were double those in the same period last year and also were double for the historic average in the southern part of Cordoba. Before May was over, rainfall totals in 10 of 21 departments (roughly equivalent to counties) had already exceeded those recorded in all of May 2016 and topped the historic averages, as well.
The largest peanut crop in the last 9 years was the 2014/15 season when farmers produced 15,000 MT more than in 2016/17 estimate.
Total crop size will be 27% above the 2015/16 crop year if estimates hold up. Yields will be up 12%, the report estimated.
Since the beginning of harvest of the summer crop, the rains have affected peanuts in various ways. Muddy conditions prevented timely digging and thrashing and also made roads impassable when it was time to move harvest equipment or bring peanuts from the fields.
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Nation, through its monthly report, said that on May 24 that digging and threshing are proceeding when the weather permits, with 27% threshed as at May 18.
So far, no serious health or contamination problems are being reported with the crop, although gathering in several areas is just beginning.
Overall, Argentina’s peanut crop includes 20,000 hectares that were classified as being in critical condition in late May. The affected area is located south of National Route 7 and includes Córdoba, north of La Pampa and west of Buenos Aires.
This has been a crop of contrasts. Strong potential yields over a large part of the planted crop were clearly offset by losses due to flooding in certain.
GEORGALOS PEANUT WORLD
Sarmiento 1664 – (X5960ETY) Río Segundo – Cba – Argentina
Tel / Fax: +54 (0) 3572 42 1809 | E-Mail: ahgeorgalos@arnet.com.ar
