Planting in the region started earlier than normal this year due to the early onset of the rains and planting of the soybean and corn crops is nearly complete. Producers in the region are expected to increase their full-season corn acreage to 190,000 hectares this growing season. The full-season corn that has already been planted is generally is good condition. The most advanced corn in the region is irrigated and it is currently pollinating. Most of the corn is approximately two feet tall and developing vegetative. Roughly 40% of the anticipated soybean and corn production has already been forward contracted. Western Bahia is also the second leading cotton producing region in Brazil and farmers will start planting their 404,000 hectares of cotton in Decembe