NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Grain movement remained active despite transportation shifts, while livestock markets reflected tight supplies and cautious expansion. Conditions varied widely by region, underscoring localized challenges and opportunities.
Great Plains
- Texas: Winter wheat conditions remain variable, with moisture improving in the Panhandle but dryness lingering in western counties. Feedlot placements stayed moderate as tight cattle supplies continued to support prices. Diesel prices eased slightly, helping early-year operating costs.
- Kansas: Wheat ratings stabilized after recent moisture, though subsoil profiles remain below normal in central areas. Cattle inventories stayed tight, keeping feeder prices elevated. Rail grain shipments increased modestly, aiding winter export flow.
- Oklahoma: Wheat benefited from recent precipitation, improving stand establishment. Stocker demand remained firm amid limited grazing availability. Input suppliers report cautious purchasing ahead of spring.
Midwest
- Iowa: Corn and soybean stocks remain ample, with on-farm storage levels elevated. Ethanol plants continued strong run rates, supporting basis levels in some areas. Hog margins tightened as feed costs stabilized.
- Illinois: River logistics improved, though barge traffic slowed seasonally. Farmers focused on marketing stored grain amid volatile futures. Livestock producers reported steady demand for feed grains.
- Indiana: Corn movement picked up as processors filled nearby needs. Winter weather limited field activity, keeping attention on financial planning and input pricing for spring.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Rice planning continued with attention on input costs and water availability. Soybean movement slowed post-harvest, while poultry integrators maintained steady production schedules.
- Mississippi: Grain elevators reported lighter receipts but steady outbound shipments. Cattle markets remained supported by tight national supplies. Producers monitored freight costs closely.
West & Southwest
- California: Dairy margins remained pressured by butterfat oversupply, while protein demand continued to support milk checks. Almond growers assessed winter chill hours amid stable export demand.
- Arizona: Vegetable harvest progressed steadily, with labor availability a continuing concern. Feedlot activity remained moderate.
Upper Midwest & Northern Plains
- North Dakota: Grain rail shipments exceeded seasonal averages, supporting export channels. Livestock producers continued herd retention amid strong feeder demand.
- Minnesota: Soybean marketing slowed as producers weighed storage against price risk. Dairy producers focused on protein-driven returns as processing capacity expanded.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington: Soft white wheat movement increased through export terminals. Apple packers reported stable domestic demand.
- Montana: Cattle markets stayed firm, supported by limited supplies. Winter conditions restricted fieldwork but aided soil moisture profiles.
Northeast
- Pennsylvania: Dairy operations emphasized protein components in milk pricing. Hay supplies remained adequate, supporting livestock operations through winter.
- New York: Milk production held steady, while specialty crop growers monitored energy and labor costs.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Wisconsin: Cheese production remained strong amid ongoing investment in protein capture. Dairy cow numbers stayed elevated, contributing to steady processing volumes.
- Michigan: Grain inventories remained manageable, with winter wheat conditions stable. Livestock feed demand held firm.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska: Livestock operations focused on winter feed logistics. Limited grain movement continued due to seasonal transport constraints.
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.
