NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — A fresh band of cold air and scattered moisture shaped harvest timing this week, tightening windows in northern states while stabilizing early winter wheat stands elsewhere. Input markets, freight conditions, and cattle movement continued to guide decisions as growers shift toward winter prep and early 2026 planning.
Great Plains
- Kansas/Nebraska: Corn and milo harvest is winding down, with shuttle loaders supporting firm basis while interior bids soften as on-farm space fills. Winter wheat emergence ranges from good on moisture-favored acres to uneven on lighter soils.
- Colorado/Oklahoma: Wheat grazing is underway in pockets with adequate tillering. Dry conditions helped late-season fieldwork, while demand for cattle placement remains steady.
Midwest
- Iowa/Illinois: Remaining corn and soybean acres are coming out between periodic showers. River freight is workable but continues to influence processor and elevator bids.
- Indiana/Ohio: Corn drying remains brisk with steady movement into local markets. Wheat planting is complete, with emergence tied closely to residue and soil compaction patterns.
Delta & South
- Arkansas/Mississippi/Louisiana: Soy and rice movement remains active with good logistics. Cotton gins are tapering off as late-season rains lowered quality in select fields.
- Southeast: Winter wheat seedings are nearly complete, and fertilizer interest is rising as growers gauge barge availability and pre-plant needs.
West & Southwest
- California/Arizona/New Mexico: Specialty and vegetable harvests are ahead of schedule, and dairies continue to monitor feed costs as by-products adjust.
- West Texas: Cotton modules are moving steadily to gins, with grades varying widely. Small-grain pasture conditions depend heavily on follow-up moisture.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington/Oregon/Idaho/Montana: Winter wheat stands range from fair to strong, depending on fall rainfall. Colder nights have narrowed fieldwork windows, and fertilizer dealers report healthy ammonia demand where soils are suitable.
- Northern Rockies: Cattle are shifting into winter lots, with hay inventories generally adequate.
Northeast
- New York/New England: Dairy margins benefit from softer feed prices and stable milk movement. Fieldwork is largely complete, and attention is turning toward equipment maintenance and early ordering for 2026 inputs.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota/Wisconsin/Michigan: Corn drying is steady with firm processor and river-adjacent basis. Winter wheat emergence is acceptable, and growers are planning early topdress and seed decisions for spring.
Far North & Territories
- North Dakota/South Dakota: Late corn is still coming out between cold fronts. Winter cattle placement is underway, and wheat stands are benefiting from timely moisture, though snow cover would provide ideal protection heading into deeper winter.
Related Stories
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
USDA data confirms that U.S. agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production, according to a new analystis by Farm Flavor.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S. Christmas Tree industry and what growers are up against.
Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities breaks down the outlook on grain storage and domestic supply chain strength as producers weigh planting decisions with forthcoming federal aid.
