NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Cold temperatures, uneven moisture, and lingering drought concerns defined agricultural conditions across much of the country as producers entered January 2026. USDA Crop Progress State Stories show winter wheat, livestock, and forage conditions remain highly dependent on regional moisture patterns, while most row-crop fieldwork has slowed for the season.
Great Plains
- Kansas - Winter wheat remains mostly fair to good, but persistent dryness continues to limit soil moisture recharge. Producers report increased concern about spring yield potential if precipitation does not improve.
- Nebraska - Topsoil moisture remains short in many areas. Livestock producers continue supplemental feeding, while winter wheat is holding condition where snow cover has been adequate.
- Oklahoma - Drought expanded in December, with widespread short- to very-short soil moisture. Wheat conditions deteriorated in dry areas, and forage growth remains limited.
- Texas - Above-normal temperatures and spotty rainfall dominated. Winter wheat emergence has been uneven, rangeland conditions declined in dry regions, and hay feeding remains elevated.
Midwest
- Iowa - Winter wheat is mostly in good condition with snow cover providing insulation. Livestock conditions remain stable, and producers are focused on 2026 input planning.
- Illinois - Soil moisture is generally adequate. Wheat conditions are good, and grain movement continues where weather allows.
- Indiana - Mild winter conditions have supported winter wheat establishment. Livestock operations report few weather-related issues.
- Missouri - Wheat conditions range from fair to good. Dryness in southern areas has limited pasture recovery, increasing supplemental feeding.
- Ohio - Cold weather slowed field activity, but winter wheat remains protected by snow cover. Livestock conditions are reported as good.
Delta & South
- Arkansas - Dry conditions persist, limiting winter forage growth. Livestock producers continue feeding hay, and wheat emergence has been uneven.
- Mississippi - Soil moisture remains short across much of the state. Winter wheat and cover crops are stressed, while livestock conditions remain stable.
- Louisiana - Limited rainfall slowed pasture recovery. Sugarcane harvest wrapped up under mostly favorable conditions.
- Alabama - Dry weather continues to pressure grazing. Winter forage growth remains below normal.
- Georgia - Abnormally dry conditions expanded, reducing pasture productivity. Peanut and cotton harvests are complete.
West & Southwest
- California - Late-December storms improved topsoil moisture and benefited winter crops and specialty agriculture. Snowpack remains mixed across the Sierra Nevada.
- Arizona - Soil moisture remains very short. Forage conditions are poor, and livestock producers continue heavy supplemental feeding.
- New Mexico - Drought conditions persist statewide. Winter wheat and pasture conditions remain stressed.
- Nevada - Cold, dry weather limited field activity. Range conditions remain poor in drought-affected areas.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington - Above-normal precipitation improved winter wheat prospects but caused localized flooding. Field access remains limited in wet areas.
- Oregon - Mild, wet conditions supported crop growth but created challenges for livestock operations and field traffic.
- Idaho - Snow cover has been inconsistent, leaving some winter wheat exposed. Livestock producers report normal winter management.
- Montana - Limited snow cover in parts of the state has raised concerns about soil moisture protection. Supplemental feeding continues.
Northeast & Upper Midwest
- Michigan - Cold temperatures and snow helped protect winter wheat. Livestock conditions remain stable.
- Minnesota - Winter weather slowed grain movement. Snow cover is helping insulate soils and forage.
- Pennsylvania: Adequate moisture and cold temperatures prevail. Fieldwork is largely paused.
- New York - Snowfall improved soil insulation, though some areas remain abnormally dry.
Related Stories
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
Modest rate relief may come late in 2026, but borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
