NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A late-January winter storm brought ice, snow, and extreme cold across much of the country, disrupting transportation and daily farm operations. At the same time, livestock inventories, dairy production, and grain movement data continued to shape market signals heading into February. Conditions varied widely by state, with weather impacts and logistics challenges dominating producer concerns.
Great Plains
- Kansas: Extreme cold and snow slowed feedlot operations and increased cattle maintenance costs. Wheat stands remained dormant, with producers monitoring winterkill risk following repeated freeze events. Rail service experienced minor delays, but grain movement continued at reduced efficiency.
- Nebraska: Cold temperatures and icy conditions complicated cattle handling and transport, particularly in central and eastern parts of the state. Feedlot inventories remained tight as packer demand stayed uneven. Some ethanol plants reported logistical delays tied to rail congestion.
- South Dakota: Snow accumulation and wind chills well below zero disrupted livestock movement and daily chores. Corn and soybean stocks remained largely on farm as truck traffic slowed. Auction volumes were lighter as weather limited producer participation.
- North Dakota: Persistent cold kept winter wheat fully dormant and slowed rail loading activity. Grain movement remained constrained by weather-related rail delays. Livestock producers focused on herd maintenance amid rising energy and feed costs.
- Oklahoma: Ice and snow affected cattle operations across the northern half of the state, increasing stress on pastures and water systems. Wheat conditions remained mixed, with freeze protection improving soil moisture. Transportation disruptions were limited but noticeable.
Midwest
- Iowa: Ice and snow slowed grain hauling and delayed some ethanol plant deliveries. Hog producers reported higher utility costs as cold weather persisted. Corn movement by rail remained strong despite weather-related slowdowns.
- Illinois: Barge traffic disruptions along the Illinois River limited grain movement early in the week. Corn and soybean basis levels were mostly steady as producers held grain. Livestock operations focused on maintaining facilities during the extended cold.
- Indiana: Freezing temperatures and snow slowed trucking and local grain movement. Livestock producers faced higher feed and heating costs. No significant changes in crop condition were reported in fields in winter dormancy.
- Ohio: Snow and ice disrupted local transportation, delaying feed and grain deliveries in some areas. Dairy operations reported increased costs tied to cold-weather management. Grain marketing activity remained quiet.
- Missouri: Cold weather and snow reduced river traffic along the Mississippi, slowing barge loadings. Livestock producers worked through water and equipment challenges caused by freezing conditions. Corn movement was lighter than seasonal norms.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Snow and freezing rain limited poultry and livestock transport early in the week. River levels remained a concern for grain shippers as draft restrictions persisted. Field activity remained minimal with winter crops dormant.
- Mississippi: Ice and snow disrupted barge traffic and grain loading along the river system. Livestock producers reported higher feed delivery costs due to trucking delays. Winter wheat conditions remained stable under cold weather.
- Louisiana: Cold temperatures slowed port and barge operations, delaying some export movements. Livestock operations faced limited but manageable weather stress. Fertilizer deliveries were delayed in some river-adjacent areas.
- Alabama: Freezing temperatures affected livestock watering systems and pasture conditions. Poultry operations focused on maintaining barn temperatures during the cold snap. Crop fields remained idle as winter weather persisted.
- Georgia: Cold and wet conditions slowed peanut and cotton logistics. Livestock producers reported moderate stress tied to extended cold. Grain and feed deliveries experienced minor transportation delays.
West & Southwest
- Texas: Ice and snow disrupted cattle operations across the Panhandle and northern regions. Feedlot activity slowed as transportation delays increased. Cotton and grain movement remained limited due to weather-related constraints on trucking.
- New Mexico: Cold temperatures and snow affected livestock grazing and water access. Transportation delays slowed feed deliveries in rural areas. No major crop developments were reported during winter dormancy.
- Arizona: Cooler-than-normal temperatures slowed vegetable and forage growth. Livestock operations remained stable with minimal storm impacts. Transportation networks functioned with limited disruption.
- California: Weather conditions remained relatively mild compared to other regions. Dairy operations continued at high production levels, though margins remained pressured. Produce and specialty crop logistics operated normally.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Washington: Cold weather slowed wheat movement and rail shipments in eastern areas. River traffic remained steady but cautious amid freezing conditions. Livestock operations focused on winter feeding programs.
- Oregon: Snow in interior regions delayed some trucking and feed deliveries. Wheat and forage crops remained dormant. Export activity through ports continued with minor scheduling adjustments.
- Idaho: Cold temperatures and snow impacted dairy and livestock operations. Feed costs and energy usage increased across operations. Grain movement slowed as rail service worked through weather delays.
- Montana: Extreme cold increased stress on cattle herds and raised feed demand. Grain hauling remained limited as producers waited out weather conditions. No significant changes were reported in winter crop conditions.
Northeast
- Pennsylvania: Snow and freezing temperatures disrupted dairy operations and milk hauling schedules. Feed deliveries faced minor delays due to road conditions. Livestock producers focused on managing cold-related costs.
- New York: Cold weather increased energy use at dairy operations. Transportation delays affected milk and feed movement in some regions. Crop fields remained fully dormant.
- Vermont: Snow and cold persisted, challenging dairy logistics and barn management. Milk movement continued with limited interruptions. Producers monitored herd health closely during the extended cold.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Wisconsin: Cold weather and snow affected dairy operations statewide, increasing heating and feed costs. Milk production remained strong despite margin pressure. Transportation delays were manageable but ongoing.
- Minnesota: Extreme cold slowed grain hauling and increased livestock stress. Feedlot activity continued with higher operational costs. Rail service faced weather-related slowdowns.
- Michigan: Snow and ice disrupted trucking and feed deliveries. Dairy and livestock operations focused on maintaining infrastructure. Crop conditions remained unchanged during winter dormancy.
Far North & Territories
- Alaska: Winter conditions continued to limit transportation and supply deliveries. Livestock operations remained small but stable under cold conditions. No significant market or production changes were reported this week.
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