NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Fieldwork is advancing across much of the country as warmer temperatures return, but uneven moisture continues to shape conditions. Some regions are gaining momentum, while others face delays due to drought or excessive rain.
Great Plains
- Texas: Corn planting is active in the South and Central regions, while cotton ground preparation continues across the High Plains. Wheat is progressing but remains under stress in drier western areas, with limited subsoil moisture.
- Oklahoma: Fertilizer applications and early planting prep continue. Winter wheat shows mixed conditions, with drought stress persisting in western counties.
- Kansas: Wheat conditions remain variable and rainfall-dependent. Early fieldwork has begun in southern areas, but cool soils are slowing corn planting progress.
Midwest
- Iowa: Fertilizer applications and tillage are underway. Soil moisture is adequate, but planting remains limited as producers wait for warmer soil temperatures.
- Illinois: Southern Illinois has started limited corn planting. Cooler conditions across central and northern regions are slowing broader field activity.
- Indiana: Fieldwork is increasing as conditions improve. Producers are preparing equipment and monitoring soil temperatures before widespread planting begins.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Corn planting continues, especially in southern counties. Periodic rainfall is slowing progress in some areas, though moisture levels remain favorable.
- Mississippi: Planting is moving forward between rain events. Saturated soils in low-lying areas are creating localized delays.
- Louisiana: Corn and sugarcane planting continues, though wet conditions at times limit field access. Early crop development remains favorable.
West & Southwest
- California: Orchard and vineyard management is ongoing, with irrigation and pest control in focus. Water availability remains a concern despite recent improvements.
- Arizona: Vegetable harvest is active, and spring planting continues. Rising temperatures are increasing irrigation demand.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Idaho: Snowpack supports irrigation outlook, but fieldwork remains limited due to cool temperatures. Producers are preparing for planting.
- Montana: Winter conditions continue to limit activity. Livestock operations remain focused on feeding and herd management.
Northeast
- New York: Maple syrup production continues with variable sap flow. Dairy producers are preparing for spring forage planting.
- Pennsylvania: Fertilizer applications are beginning where conditions allow. Fieldwork remains limited but is increasing.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota: Snow is melting in southern areas, allowing early preparation. Northern regions remain largely inactive due to lingering winter conditions.
- Wisconsin: Dairy operations are steady. Producers are preparing for planting, with soil moisture generally adequate.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska: Winter conditions dominate. Agricultural activity is minimal, with a focus on livestock care and planning for the short growing season.
Related Stories
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
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.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
