WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — New USDA data shows the 2026 planting season is nearing completion across much of farm country, while wheat conditions continue to show significant regional stress tied to dry weather in parts of the Southern Plains.
The latest USDA Crop Progress report indicates 86 percent of the nation’s corn crop is now planted, while soybeans are 79 percent complete — both running ahead of long-term averages and signaling a strong finish to spring fieldwork in many regions.
Spring wheat planting is also advancing, with 86 percent of the crop now in the ground.
Field Conditions Vary Widely Across the Plains
While planting progress is strong in row crops, winter wheat continues to face challenges. USDA reports 78 percent of the crop has headed, but just 26 percent is rated in the top condition category, with 44 percent now listed as poor to very poor.
Analysts say persistent dry conditions across portions of the Southern Plains have taken a noticeable toll on crop development this season.
Darin Newsom of Barchart recently traveled through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas and says crop conditions vary widely by region.
“From Salina, Kansas, down to Hutchinson or Wichita, fields looked pretty good there,” Newsom told RFD News. “But the further south you go, the fields were very short — in Oklahoma and Texas — so you could tell that the wheat crop, the wheat plants themselves, were short. The heads were small.”
Newsom says some fields show clear signs of drought stress, while others appear impacted by uneven rainfall patterns — both too dry and, in some cases, too wet earlier in the season.
“It wasn’t the bright gold color that we’re used to seeing with a healthy crop,” he continued. “It was kind of a bleached white for much of the area.”
Newsom says harvest results in the coming weeks will be key in determining final production totals and overall wheat quality across the region.
Trade and Demand Still Key Market Drivers
Spring planting continues to run ahead of pace across much of farm country, with 86 percent of the corn crop now planted and soybeans also tracking well ahead of the five-year average.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to break down what he’s watching as the planting season progresses and to share his outlook on trade and global demand.
In his interview with RFD News, Williamson said he is closely monitoring weather conditions and their impact on final planting decisions as producers work to finish strong and protect yield potential heading into the growing season.
He noted that while early progress has been strong, conditions over the coming weeks will remain critical in determining crop development.
Williamson also addressed ongoing trade discussions with China, saying global demand remains an important factor for U.S. agriculture markets. He added that producers are closely watching for any developments that could influence export flows and the direction of commodity prices.
Base Acre Updates Coming for Producers
Separately, USDA says landowners will soon begin receiving notifications regarding updated base acres tied to farm program eligibility.
The additional acres are now eligible for participation in the ARC and PLC programs following changes authorized by recent farm legislation that expanded total base acreage allocations.
USDA says the agency has been reviewing historical planting data from 2019 through 2023 to determine eligible acres, and most producers will automatically receive updated allocations.
