NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Planting preparations are picking up across much of the country, with improving weather allowing fieldwork to expand. However, regional differences remain, with moisture deficits in some areas and excess moisture in others shaping early-season conditions.
Great Plains
- Texas: Fieldwork is active across much of the state, with corn planting progressing and cotton ground preparation underway. Soil moisture remains variable, with dry conditions lingering in parts of the Panhandle and South Plains.
- Oklahoma: Producers are applying fertilizer and preparing for spring planting, though moisture conditions remain mixed. Winter wheat is showing stress in drier western areas, while eastern regions report better conditions.
- Kansas: Wheat conditions are stable but still dependent on timely moisture. Early fieldwork is underway where conditions allow, with producers monitoring soil temperatures for corn planting.
Midwest
- Iowa: Farmers are beginning spring fieldwork, including fertilizer applications and equipment preparation. Soil moisture is generally adequate, though some areas are waiting for warmer temperatures before planting begins.
- Illinois: Early planting preparations are underway, with some southern areas beginning corn planting. Soil moisture is favorable, but cooler temperatures are slowing widespread activity.
- Indiana: Field conditions are improving, allowing limited early work. Producers are monitoring soil temperatures and moisture before starting planting in earnest.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Corn planting is progressing, particularly in southern areas. Rainfall has slowed fieldwork in some locations, but soil moisture levels are generally favorable.
- Mississippi: Producers are making steady planting progress where weather allows. Wet conditions in some regions are causing delays, particularly in low-lying fields.
- Louisiana: Sugarcane planting and corn progress continue, though intermittent rains are limiting field access. Conditions remain generally favorable for early crops.
West & Southwest
- California: Orchard and vineyard management continues, with irrigation and pest management a focus. Water availability remains a concern in some regions despite recent improvements.
- Arizona: Vegetable harvest remains active, while planting continues for spring crops. Irrigation demand is increasing as temperatures rise.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Idaho: Snowpack levels are supporting irrigation outlooks, though fieldwork remains limited due to cooler conditions. Producers are preparing equipment and inputs for the upcoming season.
- Montana: Winter conditions persist in many areas, limiting field activity. Livestock producers continue winter feeding operations while monitoring weather for spring transition.
Northeast
- New York: Maple syrup production is ongoing, with variable sap flow due to fluctuating temperatures. Dairy operations remain steady as producers prepare for spring forage planting.
- Pennsylvania: Fieldwork is limited but increasing, with fertilizer applications beginning where conditions allow. Livestock operations continue normal routines.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota: Snow cover is receding in southern areas, allowing early preparation for spring work. Northern regions remain in winter conditions, delaying field activity.
- Wisconsin: Dairy operations remain steady, with producers preparing for spring planting. Soil moisture levels are generally adequate heading into the season.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska: Winter conditions continue to dominate, with limited agricultural activity. Producers are focused on livestock care and planning for the short growing season ahead.
Related Stories
USDA says planting progress remains strong nationwide, though some soybean fields are still slow to emerge.
The lower outlook follows months of drought stress across major winter wheat regions, where some producers have abandoned fields or shifted acres to grazing instead of harvest.
Cattle producers may get some credit relief, but land and facility borrowing costs likely remain high.
Ethanol plants kept production steady, but softer gasoline demand and lower exports may limit near-term momentum.
The uncommon delivery has kept one farmer busy caring for four newborn kids at once.
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
