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
Broader export demand helps stabilize prices and supports stronger marketing opportunities over time.
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
Higher yields are cushioning lower acreage, but reduced production could support firmer potato prices into 2026.
Producers across the country balanced winter weather disruptions, shifting export demand, and tightening margins as year-end decisions come into focus.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
