NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Producers made gradual progress nationwide last week as mixed weather shaped planting preparation, livestock conditions, and transportation logistics. Moisture improved soil profiles in some regions while wind, dryness, and lingering frost slowed early fieldwork elsewhere.
Great Plains
- Kansas producers advanced fertilizer work and early field preparation as winds and dry conditions increased fire concerns across western counties.
- Nebraska reported improving soil moisture in eastern areas, while western regions stayed dry with ranchers monitoring pasture recovery.
- Oklahoma livestock producers tracked strong feeder demand as range conditions remained uneven.
Midwest
- Iowa farmers moved ahead with fertilizer applications and equipment preparation as soils slowly warmed.
- Illinois producers reported improving field conditions though saturated spots delayed activity in river bottoms.
- Indiana saw limited early work as frost remained in northern fields.
- Ohio producers also reported slow progress due to lingering frost and wet areas.
Delta & South
- Arkansas growers began limited corn and rice planting where soils allowed.
- Mississippi producers monitored rainfall delays impacting early fieldwork.
- Louisiana producers managed water levels for rice fields ahead of expected precipitation.
- Alabama livestock operators reported stable forage supplies following scattered rains.
West & Southwest
- California growers continued irrigation planning and orchard care amid water supply concerns.
- Arizona vegetable harvest remained active with steady shipments.
- New Mexico producers assessed forage conditions after limited winter precipitation.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington wheat areas reported mixed soil moisture with early fertilizer applications underway.
- Idaho producers monitored snowpack runoff prospects as spring approaches.
- Montana ranchers tracked feed supplies as winter lingered in northern areas.
Northeast
- Pennsylvania dairy producers reported steady milk output and adequate feed supplies.
- New York growers prepared equipment while monitoring wet field conditions.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota producers saw gradual snowmelt but limited fieldwork due to frozen soils.
- Wisconsin dairy operations reported steady production and stable feed availability.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska producers maintained winter feeding programs and prepared for spring calving while monitoring transportation logistics in remote areas.
Related Stories
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
