Sunflower: National weekly update in Argentina

Yield expectations for the NEA (North East of Argentina) region average between 7 and 18 qq/hectare and even though recent rains could favor grain filling for late sown sunflower, over 50% of the fields in the area are at a mature stage thus being unable to react to the moisture supply. If appropriate weather conditions exist, the harvest will probably begin next week.

In the center of the agricultural area, the sunflower crop is uneven both in growth and development, not only due to the lack of water but also due to the long period elapsed from the beginning to the end of the sowing (not everybody sowed at the same time).

Sunflower seems stable while going through its vegetative stages in the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa, although humidity is limited.
Early sown fields in the center of the agricultural area are now in the maturity stage and expecting yields of about 12 to 25 qq/hectare.

Projections show the harvest will begin at the end of this month.
The Center-North of Santa Fe had about 69% of the surface where sunflower transits between flowering and filling benefited by rains.

In the Center of Buenos Aires, the lots managed to cover the furrow but in the Southeast of Buenos Aires there are lots with little development, and they need rains to recover from some cold damage and to resume growth. As the lack of rain begins to be noticed, it's important to remember the oilseed has a certain tolerance to water deficit, especially in vegetative stages.