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
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
