The US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects a notable increase in Argentina’s wheat production for the 2024/25 season, estimating a harvest of 18.6 million tons. This marks a significant increase compared to the 15.7 million tons harvested in the 2023/24 season. Improved weather conditions in April and May have prompted farmers to expand the planted area to 6.2 million hectares, exceeding their initial plans.
With this strong wheat crop, Argentina’s wheat exports are anticipated to reach 12.4 million tons, up from 9.2 million tons last season. Brazil will continue to be the main export destination, followed by Indonesia and several African countries.
In contrast, corn production in Argentina faces a slight decrease. The FAS estimates production of 49 million tonnes for 2024/25, a reduction of 2 million tonnes from the previous season. This decrease is due to a possible reduction in the planted area of 200,000 hectares.
“The new corn planting season, which will begin in late August or early September, faces uncertainties regarding the total area,” the FAS indicated. “The 2023/24 corn crop suffered a reduction of more than 15% due to a serious outbreak of corn dwarf disease in north-central Argentina.”
In response to these challenges, many farmers in northern Argentina have chosen to plant wheat to ensure crop rotation.
Despite the overall decline in corn production, exports are expected to rise to 35.5 million tonnes in 2024/25, up from 34 million tonnes the previous year. The FAS noted that farmers’ selling of corn is slower than usual, as many are in relatively good financial shape and are holding onto their corn and soybeans, waiting for a possible rebound in prices.
These projections highlight both the growth potential in Argentina’s wheat sector and the challenges in corn production, outlining the country’s agricultural outlook for the upcoming season.
