Headline:
2024‘s Climate Balance: Hope and Concern in Argentina‘s Agricultural Heartland
Article:
The year 2024 brought encouraging news for Argentina’s agricultural sector, with significant increases in rainfall compared to 2023. However, concerns have emerged at the start of 2025, with critical water reserves in several regions.
According to the Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario (BCR), 2024 saw rainfall totals between 700 and 1200 millimeters, a 26% increase from the 700 to 900 millimeters recorded in 2023. The "Niño" weather phenomenon played a crucial role in this scenario, with increased rainfall during autumn and spring contributing to the higher totals.
However, December ended with below-average precipitation, leaving 50% of the region with critical water reserves in the soil. The nordeste bonaerense was the most affected area, with reserves ranging from low to critical drought levels.
The BCR highlighted that the region accumulated an average annual rainfall of 960 mm in 2024, with most stations registering more than 26% more water than in 2023. Stations in Hernando, Montes de Oca, and Pozo del Molle saw increases of 90%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. Only Irigoyen and General Villegas recorded lower rainfall, with 2% and 11% less than 2023.
Despite the positive overall numbers, December marked a negative turning point. The BCR reported that the south of Santa Fe and the north of Buenos Aires received only 35 mm, far below the historical average of 110 mm. This lack of rainfall has led to critical water reserves in 80% of the region’s core area, with the nordeste bonaerense being the driest.
The start of 2025 has brought concerns for the norte bonaerense region, with advisors in Baradero, Rojas, and Colón warning about the lack of rainfall, particularly for early-planted maize. While the initial stages of the crop benefited from good water provision, the lack of December rainfall has put the crops at risk.
Soil moisture levels are critical in 50% of the region, with 80% of the core area facing scarce to severe drought conditions. The nordeste bonaerense is the most affected area, with advisors expressing concern about the impact on early-planted maize.
The BCR has warned that the first half of January is expected to be dry, with no significant rainfall predicted for the first 15 days. The only hope comes from a forecast of isolated and intermittent showers and thunderstorms in the southwest of the GEA zone between January 5 and 6.
