Uruguay expects smaller wheat, corn crop

Production in 2023-24 is estimated at 1.56 million tonnes, one of the top three largest volumes in history because of extraordinary record high yields. “The crop technology used by farmers and excellent weather combined to produce a great harvest,” the FAS said. Production in 2024-25 is estimated at 1.3 million tonnes. Exports in 2024-25 are estimated to drop to 800,000 tonnes from the decade-high of 1.13 million tonnes in 2023-24. “Local brokers confirm that roughly 1 million tonnes are already committed, with a diverse list of destinations,” the FAS said. Corn production in 2023-24 surpassed the 1 million-tonne mark for the first time, reaching 1.55 million tonnes. The comeback of the El Niño weather pattern encouraged a record high area of 205,000 hectares. Production in 2024-25 is expected to drop 35% to 1 million tonnes as corn prices have dropped 40% to 50% in a year. Weather forecast also are predicting a comeback of La Niña dry conditions in spring and summer. “A new ...