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
Prepare for tighter cash flow, delayed capital buys, and policy-driven risk management this fall.
George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
Crop insurance remains a vital tool for managing climate-driven risk.
Expect firm demand for dependable HRS and SW, steady movement in HRW, more sorting on SRW, and selective bids on durum until full milling results are released.
Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
