NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — As the calendar turns to 2026, producers across the country are balancing winter weather management with early marketing and planning decisions. Livestock markets remain supply-driven, grain movement is seasonally uneven, and moisture conditions continue to shape outlooks for winter wheat, forage, and specialty crops. Input costs, logistics, and policy developments remain front of mind as producers position for the year ahead.
Great Plains
- Texas — Cattle supplies remain tight, with feeder availability limited and border uncertainty still impacting placement decisions. Wheat pasture conditions remain mixed, with dryland acres needing moisture. Cotton ginning is largely complete, and marketing decisions are extending into early 2026.
- Oklahoma — Winter wheat stands remain uneven, with grazing pressure increasing where moisture was adequate. Cow-calf operators focused on winter feed management.
- Kansas — Feedlot inventories steady, but placements remain constrained. Wheat is fully dormant under mixed soil moisture conditions.
- Nebraska — Corn movement supported by ethanol demand, keeping interior basis firm. Cold weather raises feedlot energy costs.
- North & South Dakota — Grain movement slowed by winter weather. Calf marketing is steady but lighter as producers retain inventory.
Midwest
- Iowa — Ethanol production continues to support corn demand, though margins are mixed. Hog producers are monitoring price pressure and feed costs.
- Illinois — Interior basis stronger than river markets amid seasonal barge disruptions. Fertilizer and input purchasing are underway.
- Indiana & Ohio — Corn and soybean marketing decisions tied closely to export demand and early 2026 price outlooks.
- Minnesota & Wisconsin — Dairy margins are tightening as national milk production rises. Feed supplies are adequate, but energy costs remain elevated.
Delta & South
- Arkansas — Rice and soybean marketing steady; barge traffic improving but still weather-sensitive.
- Louisiana — Grain movement slowed by river conditions; export demand mixed.
- Mississippi — Corn and soybean basis stable; producers watching logistics closely.
- Georgia & Alabama — Cotton marketing continues; poultry integrators managing higher feed costs.
- Florida — Vegetable producers are dealing with lingering drought stress in northern areas and increasing irrigation demands.
West & Southwest
- California — Strong milk production continues to pressure dairy prices. Vegetable and processing tomato sectors are adjusting to high yields and softer pricing.
- Arizona & New Mexico — Forage availability stable; livestock producers focused on water management and winter feed.
- Colorado & Utah — Wheat and forage crops dormant; livestock operations focused on weather protection and feed costs.
- Nevada — Hay movement steady; water availability shaping longer-term planning.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington & Oregon — Grain exports remain active despite recent rail challenges. Tree fruit storage and marketing are ongoing.
- Idaho — The potato and dairy sectors are monitoring price pressures amid strong production levels.
- Montana & Wyoming — Cattle markets steady; hay supplies adequate, though winter conditions are increasing costs.
Northeast
- New York & Pennsylvania — Dairy producers reviewing risk management strategies as milk supplies expand nationally.
- Maryland & Delaware — Grain movement steady; poultry operations adjusting to higher energy expenses.
- New England — Specialty crop and greenhouse operations focused on winter energy costs and local market demand.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Michigan — Dry beans, sugar beets, and dairy are facing margin pressure. Basis is stronger away from river terminals.
- Wisconsin — Cheese production supporting milk demand, but rising supplies continue to weigh on prices.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska — Feed and fuel logistics remain costly; producers focused on winter supply security.
- U.S. Territories — Freight delays and transportation costs continue to challenge agricultural input and output flows.
Related Stories
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
