With winter mostly behind us, farmers are preparing to take to the field for planting season.
One meteorologist says that farmers in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio will likely face a very active pattern this month leading into April.
BAM Weather consultant Bret Walts says that many Midwest farmers may be hard-pressed to find consistent dry periods to get into the fields.
The Climate Prediction Center backs that, showing above-average changes for precipitation for the eastern Corn Belt on both the one and three-month outlooks.
However, moving farther west, things look drier. States like Nebraska, South Dakota, western Iowa, and Oklahoma anticipate worsening drought conditions.
Related Stories
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
AFBF Economist: Farmer Bridge Assistance Payments Fall Short for Sugar, Alfalfa, and Specialty Crops
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
