Feb 04, 2026
Argentina Corn Estimate Lowered 1.0 mt to 53.0 Million Tons
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Conditions continue to deteriorate in Argentina, especially in the core production area. Drought conditions during December and January are taking a toll on the corn, especially in northern Buenos Aires, southern Santa Fe, and southern Cordoba. The government has already declared an agricultural emergency and drought disaster for parts of Santa Fe and Chaco.
The condition of the corn depends on when it was planted and its location. If the corn was planted early, it took advantage of the good moisture during September-October-November and yields should be OK. If the corn was planted during October, it got hit hard by drought during pollination. For the corn planted in December and January, it still might be OK if rain returns in short order. Therefore, the Argentina corn estimate was lowered 1.0 mt this week to 53.0 million with a lower bias.
Corn is 97.2% planted with wet condition delaying the completion of corn planting in far northern Argentina. Recent rains in western Bournes Aires and southern Cordoba helped the later planted corn. Approximately 53% of the early planted corn is filling grain, whereas the later planted corn is in vegetative development or early pollination under variable moisture conditions. All the corn in central and southern Argentina will need additional moisture in order to maintain the current yield potential.
Corn in Argentina was rated 14% poor, 40% fair, and 46% good/excellent as of late last week. The good/excellent percentage was down 6% from the prior week. Soil moisture for corn is rated 49% short and 51% favorable/optimum. The favorable/optimum percentage is down 1% from the prior week. Below is the corn rating in Argentina for January 28, 2026 from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange.
2025/26 Argentina Corn Ratings*
| Condition | Soil Moisture | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor/V. Poor % | Good/Excellent % | Short/V Short | Favorable/Optimum | |
| Dec. 23, 2025 | 1 (0) | 87 (38) | 3 (13) | 96 (87) |
| Dec. 30, 2025 | 0 (5) | 82 (36) | 8 (6) | 92 (93) |
| Jan. 7, 2026 | 1 (3) | 75 (46) | 28 (5) | 72 (92) |
| Jan. 14, 2026 | 5 (6) | 64 (41) | 33 (11) | 67 (87) |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | 11 (6) | 52 (40) | 46 (11) | 52 (87) |
| Jan. 28, 2026 | 14 (15) | 46 (31) | 49 (40) | 51 (60) |
*Source: Buenos Aires Grain Exchange – Crop Condition & Development Stages