Oct 11, 2021
2021/22 Safrinha Corn Should be Planted Within the Ideal Window
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Even though it is only the second week of October, I think we can say with some level of confidence that there is a good chance that most of Brazil's 2021/22 safrinha corn will be planted within the ideal planting window because the soybeans are being planted faster than average and much faster than last year.
The ideal planting window for safrinha corn in central Brazil usually closes about the third week of February. The window closes a little earlier in southern Brazil due to the potential for season-ending frosts, like they experienced this past July.
Mato Grosso soybeans are 20% planted vs. 3% last year with the most rapid planting progress in the areas of the state where much of the safrinha corn is planted. In Parana, the soybeans were 16% planted earlier last week vs. 8% last year. Mato Grosso is the number one safrinha corn producing state in Brazil followed by Parana.
Brazilian farmers are planting their soybeans as quickly as possible, and the forecast looks generally favorable. Some of the earliest planted soybeans will be ready to harvest by January 1st and soybeans that are planted in mid-October, should be ready for harvest in late January or early February provided there are not excessive rains that could delay the harvest.
Bottom Line - I think we can already say there is a high likelihood that much of the 2021/22 safrinha corn crop in Brazil will be planted within the ideal planting window, which is critical for safrinha corn to achieve its yield potential. The growing season for safrinha corn is still months away and a lot of things could still go wrong such as a lack of fertilizers or adverse weather, but delayed planting will probably not be one of them.