Wet Weather Negatively Impacting Wheat in Southern Brazil

Excessive rainfall at harvest time is what wheat producers in southern Brazil fear the most.

Prolonged wetness as the crop is waiting to be harvested can cause the deterioration of the seed to such an extent, that the wheat can only be used as animal feed.

Recent heavy rains in southwestern Parana in southern Brazil have negatively impacted the wheat crop in the region. October rainfall in parts of southwestern Parana has been as much as 275 mm (11 inches) with western Parana receiving 150 to 175 mm (6 to 7 inches). Extensive flooding is reported in the region of Pato Branco in southwestern Parana and there is more rain in the forecast. The full extent of the damage to the wheat will only be known once the crop is harvested.

The Department of Rural Economics (Deral) reported that the wheat harvest in Parana was 54% complete earlier this week, which represented an advance of only 4% for the week. The quality of the recently harvested wheat and of the wheat still in the field has been negatively impacted by the wet weather. The wheat is rated 12% poor, 28% average, and 60% good compared to the prior week when it was rated 7% poor, 24% average, and 69% good.

The wet weather has also impacted the planting and germination of the first corn crop and soybeans in the region. In the hardest hit regions, some of the crops may need to be replanted once conditions dry out, which is forecasted for next week.

Tags: wheat, crop, first corn crop, heavy rains, Parana, planting, Brazil, rainfall, soybeans