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
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
