CORN Corn planting progress has reached nearly 90 percent of projected area. Almost 70 percent of the corn crops is going through the critical growth stage. Crops are beginning to experience a lack of wáter after many days of intense heat and wind. , Fields are starting to appear stresed. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reports deterioration in both crop condition and water status, especially in northern La Pampa and western Buenos Aires. As a result, the share of the corn crop rated Good/Excellent fell from 82 percent to 75 percent, and the share with regular or dry water conditions rose from 8 percent to 28 percent week over week.

Even so, expectations of a bumper crop continue to prevail. Rainfall over the coming days will be im...