NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Weather patterns over the past week created a mixed start to spring across U.S. agriculture, with warming trends supporting limited fieldwork in some areas while moisture and cooler conditions slowed progress elsewhere. Producers continue to navigate uneven soil conditions and shifting temperatures as the season begins.
Great Plains
- Texas - Warmer temperatures supported early fieldwork and livestock movement, particularly in the southern portion of the state. However, dry and windy conditions elevated fire risk and increased concern about soil moisture heading into planting season.
- Oklahoma - Conditions improved early in the week with warmer temperatures, allowing limited field preparation. Late-week moisture slowed progress, though soil conditions remain generally adequate for early-season operations.
- Kansas - Producers saw improved field access early, but cooler temperatures and scattered precipitation limited consistent progress. Winter wheat conditions remain mixed depending on moisture availability.
- Nebraska - Cooler weather and lingering moisture kept fieldwork limited. Producers remain in a holding pattern as soil temperatures and conditions slowly improve.
Midwest
- Iowa - Early-week warmth allowed some fertilizer applications and prep work. However, cooler temperatures and intermittent precipitation slowed broader field activity.
- Illinois - Variable conditions limited consistent progress, with some southern areas seeing early activity. Northern regions remain too wet for widespread fieldwork.
- Indiana - Soil moisture remains elevated, restricting equipment movement in many areas. Producers are monitoring conditions for improved access in the coming weeks.
- Ohio - Wet soils and cooler temperatures delayed early spring operations. Fieldwork remains minimal across much of the state.
Delta & South
- Arkansas - Fieldwork progressed between rain events, though periodic moisture slowed consistent planting preparation. Soil conditions remain generally favorable.
- Mississippi - Producers made limited progress during drier windows, but recurring rainfall continues to disrupt operations. Early planting remains uneven.
- Louisiana - Warmer temperatures supported early planting in some areas, though wet conditions slowed broader progress. Soil moisture remains adequate to surplus.
- Alabama - Field preparation improved briefly with drier weather, but conditions remain variable. Producers continue to monitor timing for planting.
West & Southwest
- California - Dry conditions supported fieldwork and orchard management, though long-term water availability remains a concern. Irrigation planning continues to be a focus.
- Arizona - Stable, dry weather allowed for steady field activity. Irrigation demand remains consistent as producers manage limited precipitation.
- New Mexico - Dry conditions supported early field operations, though soil moisture remains below desired levels in some areas.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington - Cooler temperatures limited early field activity. Snowpack conditions remain a key factor for water supply outlooks.
- Idaho - Winter conditions lingered, slowing field preparation. Snowpack levels continue to support irrigation expectations.
- Montana - Cold temperatures and snow cover limited activity. Producers remain focused on the moisture outlook heading into spring.
Northeast
- Pennsylvania - Wet soils and cool temperatures slowed fieldwork. Producers remain largely inactive awaiting improved conditions.
- New York - Conditions remained too wet for early field activity. Soil saturation continues to delay spring preparation.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota - Snow cover and cold temperatures kept fieldwork at a standstill. Seasonal transition remains several weeks away.
- Wisconsin - Cold and wet conditions limited any early activity. Producers are monitoring soil temperatures closely.
- Michigan - Variable conditions slowed early progress, with limited opportunities for field access.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska - Winter conditions persist, with no active fieldwork underway. Seasonal transition remains distant.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Overall, the past week reflected a slow and uneven start to the growing season, with weather continuing to dictate the pace of early agricultural activity nationwide.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
Improving consumer confidence supports baseline food and fuel demand, but cautious spending limits upside potential for ag markets in 2026.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
