NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Producers across the country are balancing encouraging crop progress with tighter supplies, weather uncertainty, and shifting markets. USDA lowered U.S. wheat production to its smallest crop since 1970-71, while corn and soybean conditions remained generally favorable.
Export demand stayed strong, ethanol demand provided additional corn support, and cattle markets continued to be driven by drought and limited herd expansion.
Nationally, producers enter the heart of summer with generally favorable crop conditions, but tighter wheat supplies, high production costs, expanding export opportunities, and continued livestock supply shortages remain the biggest themes shaping agriculture heading into the second half of July.
Great Plains
- Kansas: Winter wheat harvest moved ahead of average, but USDA reduced Hard Red Winter wheat production from earlier expectations. Strong export demand and historically tight supplies continue supporting wheat prices despite a larger global crop.
- Nebraska: Corn and soybean conditions remained favorable with adequate soil moisture in many areas. Nebraska also ranked among the top states in accepted Conservation Reserve Program acreage for 2026
- Oklahoma: Harvest neared completion across much of the state. Ranchers continued monitoring drought conditions as cattle supplies remain historically tight.
- Texas: The Texas Panhandle dairy industry continued expanding even as milk prices softened under record U.S. production. Ranchers also faced growing concerns from two invasive pests. New World screwworm remains a livestock threat, while pasture mealybug has now spread to 70 counties, placing millions of forage acres at risk. Peanut acreage declined sharply statewide, reflecting stronger cotton prices during planting season.
- South Dakota: Strong grain inventories and rail shipments continued supporting grain movement. South Dakota also ranked among the nation’s leading CRP enrollment states.
Midwest
- Iowa: Corn and soybean development remained generally favorable despite producer concerns over input costs. Purdue’s latest Ag Economy Barometer found high input costs remain the top financial concern for nearly half of surveyed farmers.
- Illinois: Corn pollination progressed under generally favorable conditions. Livestock producers continued benefiting from strong cattle prices while monitoring feed costs.
- Indiana: Producers continued evaluating lease arrangements as tighter margins shift attention toward cash rent and flexible lease structures. Purdue economists note fixed cash rents continue to offer the greatest income stability under current crop margins.
- Missouri: Pasture conditions remained mixed as scattered rainfall improved forage in some areas while others continued to need additional moisture.
- Ohio: Wheat harvest advanced while double-crop soybean planting accelerated behind combines.
Delta & South
- Arkansas: Rice and soybean development continued under generally favorable conditions. Export demand remained supportive for long-grain rice.
- Louisiana: Sugarcane continued developing well despite periodic rainfall interruptions. Livestock producers monitored pasture quality through the summer heat.
- Mississippi: Cotton and soybean fields benefited from timely rainfall while producers watched insect pressure increase.
- Alabama: Peanut acreage declined as stronger cotton prices encouraged acreage shifts. Auburn University economists expect fewer planted acres could tighten supplies and support peanut prices later this marketing year.
- Georgia: The nation’s largest peanut-producing state reduced planted acreage by approximately 70,000 acres. Dairy producers continued expanding cow numbers, although lower milk prices are expected to pressure margins.
- Florida: Citrus growers monitored disease pressure, while cattle producers managed forage in response to seasonal rainfall patterns.
West & Southwest
- California: USDA expanded forage revenue insurance options beginning with the 2027 crop year in selected counties. Vegetable and specialty crop harvests continued normally.
- Arizona: Cotton development remained on schedule under irrigated conditions. Producers continued monitoring water availability and summer heat.
- New Mexico: Dairy producers watched weakening milk prices while cattle markets remained historically strong. The Bureau of Land Management also highlighted continued efforts to balance wild horse populations with rangeland health through adoption programs.
Northwest & Northern Rockies
- Idaho: Potato and forage conditions remained favorable. Eligible forage producers will have access to expanded revenue protection insurance beginning next year.
- Washington: Soft white wheat harvest began while export terminals continued handling strong grain movement into Pacific Northwest ports.
- Oregon: Dryland wheat yields varied widely depending on spring rainfall. Export demand remained supportive despite tighter domestic supplies.
- Montana: Spring wheat conditions remained generally favorable, although USDA expects lower harvested acreage than last year.
Northeast
- Pennsylvania: Dairy producers prepared for lower milk checks as cheese, butter, whey, and milk powder prices weakened. Eligible forage producers also gained access to expanded federal crop insurance options.
- New York: Hay harvest continued between rain events while dairy producers monitored declining product prices.
- Maine: Potato conditions remained generally favorable heading into mid-summer.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Minnesota: Spring wheat and corn conditions remained favorable. Grain transportation activity continued running well above average as rail shipments stayed strong.
- North Dakota: Spring wheat development remained ahead of average in many areas. Grain stocks and rail shipments continued to exceed historical averages, supporting strong export logistics.
- Wisconsin: Dairy producers faced lower milk prices after fifteen consecutive months of rising U.S. milk production. Cheese and butter prices also weakened during the week.
- Michigan: Corn and soybean conditions remained favorable while fruit growers monitored localized weather impacts.
Far North, Hawaii & U.S. Territories
- Alaska: Growing conditions remained generally favorable during the short production season, though producers continued monitoring cool overnight temperatures.
- Hawaii: Coffee, tropical fruit, and diversified crop production continued as usual, with producers monitoring transportation costs and export logistics.
