NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Fieldwork expanded in parts of the country last week, but progress remains uneven. Warmer temperatures supported early activity, while rainfall and wet soils slowed planting in several regions. Moisture differences continue to drive field decisions heading into April.
Great Plains
- Texas: Corn planting is progressing in South Texas, while cotton ground preparation is underway across the Rolling Plains and Blacklands. The Panhandle and South Plains remain dry, limiting early planting and stressing wheat.
- Oklahoma: Producers are applying fertilizer and preparing seedbeds for corn and sorghum. Western wheat continues to show stress from dry conditions, while eastern areas report improved pasture growth.
- Kansas: Winter wheat is holding steady but needs additional moisture. Early fieldwork has started in drier areas, with producers monitoring soil temperatures ahead of corn planting.
Midwest
- Iowa: Fertilizer applications and equipment preparation are underway. Wet soils are limiting field access, and most producers are waiting for warmer temperatures before planting begins.
- Illinois: Corn planting has started in southern areas, while central and northern regions focus on field preparation. Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall are slowing broader progress.
- Indiana: Early fieldwork has begun where conditions allow. Producers are monitoring soil moisture and temperature before moving into full planting.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Corn planting is progressing, especially in southern regions. Rainfall late in the week slowed fieldwork and limited access in heavier soils.
- Mississippi: Planting continues where fields are workable. Excess moisture is delaying activity in low-lying areas and slowing overall progress.
- Louisiana: Corn planting and sugarcane work continue, though intermittent rains are limiting field access. Early-season conditions remain generally favorable.
West & Southwest
- California: Orchard and vineyard management continues, including irrigation, pruning, and pest control. Water availability remains a concern despite improved reservoir levels.
- Arizona: Vegetable harvest is active, and planting continues for spring crops. Rising temperatures are increasing irrigation demand.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Idaho: Snowpack levels remain favorable for irrigation supply. Fieldwork is limited, with producers preparing equipment and inputs for spring planting.
- Montana: Winter conditions persist across much of the state. Livestock feeding continues, with little to no field activity underway.
Northeast
- New York: Maple syrup production continues with variable sap flow. Dairy operations remain steady as producers prepare for spring forage planting.
- Pennsylvania: Fertilizer applications are beginning where fields allow. Soil moisture is adequate, supporting forage growth but slowing planting progress.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota: Snowmelt is progressing in southern areas, allowing early field preparation. Northern regions remain too wet or frozen for activity.
- Wisconsin: Dairy operations remain steady, with manure hauling and equipment prep underway. Soil moisture is generally adequate heading into planting.
- Michigan: Fieldwork is limited by cool, wet conditions. Producers are preparing for planting but waiting on improved soil conditions.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska: Winter conditions continue across most areas. Producers remain focused on livestock care and planning for the upcoming growing season.
Related Stories
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
Weather remains the primary driver for wheat price outlook.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.
