As the weather gradually improves in the center south of Brazil, farmers in that region managed to harvest 30% of their second corn crop through July 15, according to agribusiness consultancy AgRural on Monday.

A year ago, 43% of Brazil’s second corn area had been harvested through mid-July, AgRural said.

Farmers are behind this year because they planted corn later than usual, missing the ideal sowing window and raising exposure to bad weather, according to the consultancy.

Still, the 30% level represents an improvement from last week, when only 20% of the second corn area had been harvested.

Brazil’s key second corn output corresponds to 70% to 75% of total production depending on the year. With second corn, Brazil competes with the United States in global export markets during the second half of the year.

But weather-related problems with Brazil’s second corn crop in 2021 have sparked a spate of export cancellations for the world’s No. 2 supplier, as corn earmarked for exports is being redirected to the domestic market as premiums are attractive.

In large producers like Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, the work has been delayed by excessive moisture on fields, AgRural said. Additionally, a forecast cold front this week could also bring additional losses to corn farmers there.

“Both states are concerned with corn quality after frosts hit the corn during in the filling stage,” AgRural said. “It could get worse if it rains in the next few days.”

AgRural forecasts Brazil’s second corn crop will be 59.1 million tonnes this year, 16 million tonnes lower than in the previous season.