BUENOS AIRES: A sunny week ahead in Argentina's Pampas grains belt should allow farmers to resume corn and soy harvesting that was interrupted over recent days by heavy rains, local meteorologists said on Tuesday.
Some 700,000 hectares of prime soy and corn area have been lost to bad weather in the 2016/17 crop year, according to the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange. Harvesting combines got stuck in soggy ground over recent days while cargo trucks were delayed by flooded roads.
"We are looking at a week ahead with a very good perspective for all of the main farm belt. It will be seven to 10 days practically without rain. The showers that do appear will be light," said German Heinzenknecht, a meteorologist at Argentine consultancy Applied Climatology.
"Fields need today (Tuesday) and tomorrow to dry out and on Thursday farmers should be able to start harvesting again. The situation is not optimal but they are going to be able to get back to work," he said.
Weather maps published by the government's INTA farm technology institute showed forecasts of clear skies ahead.
"What's left of this week will be a relief with sunny days and wind," said Stella Carballo, meteorologist at the government's INTA weather and water institute.
Harvesting of 2016/17 Argentine soy and corn started last month. Production for the season is expected at 56.5 million and 37 million tonnes, respectively.
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