Producers in Argentina’s central crop belt intend to increase corn plantings for 2025/26 by 15%, to 20%, compared with 2024/25 due to strong soil moisture levels and reduced profit margins for soybeans, the Rosario Grains Exchange forecast on Thursday. However, corn acreage is expected to be unchanged in southeastern Buenos Aires province and to the northeast there is significant caution, the exchange said. In Santiago del Estero province, a 60% corn/40% soybean area ratio is projected, with an increase in sunflower area. The main driver for increased corn acreage there is rotational needs.
Meanwhile, the exchange noted that while increased acreage is expected in the northern province of Chaco, leafhoppers are once again reason for concern there as early evidence suggests a high population of the destructive pest. Chaco is a minor producing state, though. According to USDA data, on average over the past three years, 81% of Argentina’s corn crop has been produced in the states of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Santa Fe and Santiago del Estero.
The exchange said 73% of the Pampas region has received 50 to 300 millimeters (roughly 2 to 11.8 inches) more rain than average so far in 2025, with northeastern Buenos Aires receiving the most rain. July rainfall totals in northern and western areas of the country were the highest in many years. In addition to favoring more corn area, the strong rains bode well for Argentina’s wheat production.
