NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Weather conditions across the country are directly influencing planting decisions as spring fieldwork ramps up. Some regions are seeing strong progress with open windows, while others face delays from wet soils or ongoing drought. Soil temperatures, moisture trends, and field access remain the key drivers of planting pace nationwide.
Great Plains
- Texas - Ongoing drought continues to stress winter wheat and limit pasture recovery, with poor soil moisture slowing any early planting activity.
- Oklahoma - Dry conditions persist with declining wheat prospects, while limited moisture is restricting fieldwork and planting progress.
- Kansas - Western areas remain dry and stressing wheat, while eastern regions are improving; planting prep is underway but moisture remains uneven.
- Nebraska - Soil moisture is improving, allowing fieldwork to begin, with planting preparations near normal pace in many areas.
- South Dakota - Moisture has improved, but cool soils are slowing planting progress and delaying early fieldwork.
Midwest
- Iowa - Soil moisture is adequate with early corn planting underway where fields are fit, tracking near seasonal pace.
- Illinois - Wet soils are limiting fieldwork, with planting slightly behind normal despite strong moisture reserves.
- Indiana - Periodic rains are delaying planting, with narrow fieldwork windows keeping progress just behind average.
- Ohio - Saturated soils are restricting access to fields, slowing planting and keeping progress behind normal.
- Missouri - Mixed conditions, with northern areas wetter and delayed while southern regions are seeing better planting progress.
Delta & South
- Arkansas - Wet conditions are slowing planting progress, with limited fieldwork days despite adequate moisture.
- Mississippi - Frequent rainfall is tightening fieldwork windows, keeping planting slightly behind normal pace.
- Louisiana - Ongoing rains are delaying planting, though moisture conditions remain favorable for early crop growth.
- Alabama - Adequate moisture and mild temperatures are supporting steady planting progress and pasture growth.
- Georgia - Favorable conditions are allowing planting to move forward at a near normal pace with good soil moisture.
West & Southwest
- California - Irrigated areas remain active with steady planting progress, though long-term water concerns persist due to lower snowpack.
- Arizona - Dry conditions continue, with planting dependent on irrigation and progressing where water is available.
- New Mexico - Limited moisture is restricting planting activity and stressing rangeland conditions.
- Nevada - Water supply concerns tied to snowpack are limiting planting expectations and forage development.
- Utah - Mixed water availability is creating uneven planting conditions, with some areas progressing while others remain delayed.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington - Adequate moisture supports winter wheat, though cool temperatures are slowing crop development and early planting.
- Oregon - Favorable moisture conditions are present, but cool weather is delaying planting progress slightly.
- Idaho - Snowpack supports irrigation outlook, with early planting progressing where temperatures allow.
- Montana - Improving moisture is beneficial, but cold conditions are delaying planting and early growth.
Northeast
- New York - Soil moisture is adequate, but variable weather and cool temperatures are slowing early planting activity.
- Pennsylvania - Wet conditions are limiting fieldwork, keeping planting progress slightly behind normal.
- Vermont - Cool and wet conditions are delaying planting, with limited field access for early season work.
- Maine - Slow seasonal progression with cool temperatures is delaying planting, though moisture is adequate.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota - Cool soils are delaying planting progress, though moisture conditions are adequate for when temperatures rise.
- Wisconsin - Wet and cool conditions are slowing fieldwork, keeping planting behind normal pace.
- Michigan - Strong soil moisture is in place, but cooler temperatures are delaying planting progress.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska - Seasonal thaw is progressing normally, with planting still limited by temperature and timing.
- Northern Canada - Typical snowmelt timing is in place, with planting still weeks away but conditions tracking near normal.
Related Stories
Superior Livestock Auctions markets more than 1.7 million head of cattle nationwide while also building long-term relationships between both cattle raisers and beef producers.
Farm Bureau officials say the findings underscore mounting pressure on producers heading into the 2026 growing season, with input costs continuing to outpace farm income.
Corey Rosenbusch with The Fertilizer Institute joined us to discuss supply chain disruptions and what farmers should watch as global tensions impact fertilizer markets.
Corey Rosenbusch with The Fertilizer Institute joined us to discuss supply chain disruptions and what farmers should watch as global tensions impact fertilizer markets.
Spring Fieldwork Expands While Weather Challenges Persist Nationwide
Hiring may ease slightly, but labor shortages remain persistent.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
