Argentina's core grain region projects record corn harvest despite drought

The Rosario Stock Exchange forecasts that Argentina's "core" agricultural region—including parts of Santa Fe and neighboring provinces—will deliver a historic corn harvest of 20.35 million tonnes in the 2025/26 campaign, roughly 35 % above the previous record set in 2019/20. Average yields reached 110 quintals per hectare, with top‑performing areas exceeding 135 quintals, despite a severe summer water deficit that was partially offset by February rains.

Nationally, the Rural Society of Salta estimates total grain production (corn, wheat, soy and others) could reach 160 million tonnes, surpassing the 141.5 million‑tonne record of 2018/19. Producers warn that profitability remains under strain because of export retentions, high taxes, rising fertilizer and freight costs, and poor transport infrastructure. Society president Alfredo Figueroa urged the removal of retentions and the restoration of rail and road networks to move the harvest to ports.