USDA Attache Sees Much Smaller Argentina Soy Crop

Feb 02, 2023

Amid one of the worst droughts in recent history, the USDA attaché is projecting a much smaller than expected 2022-23 soybean crop in Argentina.

A report Tuesday from the Buenos Aires attaché of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Services agency pegged Argentina’s crop at just 36 million tonnes, a whopping 9.5 million tonnes below the latest official USDA estimate released in January. If accurate, this year’s Argentine crop would fall almost 8 million or nearly 18% below the 2021-22 crop of 43.9 million, and even below the 2017-18 drought-battered crop of 37.8 million.

The report noted is the third year in a row with a dry La Niña influenced weather pattern for Argentina. As such, there was little soil moisture available during the optimum planting windows for soybeans in October, November, and December.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.