NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Cold weather dominated most production regions this week, slowing transportation and livestock movement while shaping feed demand and energy costs. In southern areas, brief warm windows allowed limited fieldwork, while drought in the West and Plains moisture patterns remain key planting considerations.
GREAT PLAINS
- Texas — Warmer stretches allowed fertilizer application in southern and central areas. Wheat ranges from stressed west to improving east with recent moisture.
- Oklahoma — Pastures remain dormant under cold conditions. Wheat condition stabilized after light precipitation.
- Kansas — Snow cover protected winter wheat but delayed hauling. Feed demand increased due to limited grazing.
- Nebraska — Livestock feeding intensified during cold snaps. Grain movement steady but weather-interrupted.
- South Dakota — Deep frost slowed manure hauling. Cattle stress increased supplemental feeding.
- North Dakota — Limited activity beyond livestock care. Producers monitoring snowpack moisture potential.
MIDWEST
- Iowa — Strong corn movement during brief warm periods. High propane demand for livestock facilities.
- Illinois — River logistics uneven due to ice movement. Basis stable with steady processor demand.
- Indiana — Feed demand strong; minimal fieldwork. Some ammonia prep underway in southern counties.
- Ohio — Wet soils remain frozen; hauling sporadic. Poultry operations managing ventilation costs.
- Missouri — Southern counties began early fertilizer staging. Northern areas remain weather-limited.
DELTA & SOUTH
- Arkansas — Rice and soybean planning underway. Limited tillage during short dry windows.
- Louisiana — Sugarcane harvest finishing. Growers preparing rice ground where conditions allow.
- Mississippi — Field prep beginning in Delta on higher ground. Cotton acreage discussions ongoing.
- Alabama — Pastures greening slowly in south. Poultry energy costs elevated during cold nights.
- Georgia — Peanut and cotton planning active. Vegetable growers planting under covers.
- Florida — Vegetable harvest active. Citrus irrigation ongoing amid variable temperatures.
- Tennessee — Fertilizer deliveries increasing. Wheat stable under protective moisture.
WEST & SOUTHWEST
- New Mexico — Limited irrigation activity; producers watching reservoir levels. Feedlots adjusting rations for cold.
- Arizona — Vegetable harvest steady. Alfalfa winter growth minimal.
- California — Orchard pruning active between storms. Water allocations still uncertain.
- Nevada — Ranchers feeding hay as ranges dormant. Snowpack favorable in mountains.
NORTHWEST & NORTHERN ROCKIES
- Washington — Wheat dormant under cold temperatures. Apple storage shipments steady.
- Oregon — Pasture growth slow; livestock feeding heavy. Some nursery work progressing.
- Idaho — Potato movement steady. Snowpack supports irrigation outlook.
- Montana — Cattle sheltered during extreme cold. No field activity.
- Wyoming — Feeding conditions difficult with wind chills. Hay demand strong.
NORTHEAST
- Pennsylvania — Dairy producers managing high feed usage. Maple tapping preparations beginning.
- New York — Snow cover heavy in upstate regions. Grain hauling intermittent.
- Vermont — Milk production stable; energy costs elevated.
- Maine — Potato storage conditions good. Limited outdoor work.
UPPER MIDWEST & GREAT LAKES
- Minnesota — Grain hauling resumed briefly midweek. Strong ethanol plant demand.
- Wisconsin — Dairy operations increased feed rations. Manure hauling paused during freezes.
- Michigan — Fruit growers pruning orchards. Greenhouse production active.
FAR NORTH & U.S. TERRITORIES
- Alaska — Livestock care only activity. Feed shipments steady.
- Hawaii — Vegetable and specialty crop harvest ongoing. Favorable growing conditions statewide.
Related Stories
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
Kerry Hartwig from Sukup Manufacturing previews the grain management solutions they plan to share with producers at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio.
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
The global rice surplus outweighs tighter U.S. supplies, pressuring prices.
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
