Santa Fe Province Sees Mixed Agricultural Outlook Amidst Rainfall Challenges
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Despite recent rainfall offering crucial moisture, agricultural activity across the central north of Santa Fe province, including the Castellanos department, continues to face disruptions, according to a new report from the Agricultural Estimates System (SEA) of the Santa Fe Stock Exchange. The report, covering the period of January 21-27, 2026, highlights both promising yields and ongoing challenges related to climate conditions.
Recent rains, ranging from 10 to 40 millimeters with the highest accumulation in General Obligado, have proven a double-edged sword for farmers. While beneficial for crop development, the precipitation has hindered essential tasks like fertilizer and pesticide application, as well as harvesting and sowing.
Sunflower Harvest Progresses, Yields Consolidate
The sunflower harvest is underway in the northern and central departments of Santa Fe, though progress remains dependent on soil conditions. “Significant progress was made in those sectors where the physical conditions of the soil allowed the entry of machinery,” a senior official stated. Initial yield data is encouraging, with averages ranging from 20 to 30 quintals per hectare, and exceptional plots reporting yields of 38 to 40 quintals per hectare. Bird attacks remain limited, primarily occurring in areas where herbicides were used to expedite drying.
Corn Crops Show Strong Potential
Premium corn is currently in excellent condition, benefiting from adequate soil moisture, advanced genetics, and strategic nitrogen fertilization. The SEA emphasizes that these factors are contributing to the crops’ ability to reach their full potential. Early corn for commercial grain has begun harvesting, with preliminary yields ranging from 50 to 115 quintals per hectare, and some exceptional lots reaching 123 to 125 quintals per hectare. Chopping and bagging for self-consumption are also proceeding at a rapid pace, yielding between 12 and 18 meters per bag per hectare, with good to very good material quality.
Soybean Development Remains Positive, Sorghum Planting Declines
Early soybeans are exhibiting strong growth, with healthy structure, height, and leaf mass. Flowering is progressing smoothly, aided by favorable environmental conditions. The planting of second-grade soybeans is nearly complete, covering 595,000 hectares out of an initial intention of 600,000. While germination and development are positive, sowing was delayed by recent rainfall.
However, the area dedicated to grain sorghum is projected to be 10% lower than the previous cycle, reaching 132,450 hectares, due to water deficits experienced in the last campaign. Planting is currently 99% complete.
Late Corn Planting Gains Momentum
Planting of late corn, with an intention of 90,000 hectares – a 22% increase from the previous cycle – has reached 80% completion, progressing by 10 percentage points in the last week, despite ongoing rainfall.
The report underscores the continued influence of climate on agricultural operations in Santa Fe province, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of fluctuating weather patterns.
