The U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest Crop Progress - State Stories report, released April 2, 2025, highlights diverse agricultural conditions across the nation as spring planting begins. Farmers face a range of challenges and opportunities shaped by regional weather patterns and lingering drought concerns.
Corn
Corn planting is underway in several states, with Illinois reporting 2% of the crop in the ground. Arkansas producers are also making progress with corn planting. However, the pace varies significantly by region, with some areas still too wet or cold for fieldwork.
Winter wheat
Winter wheat conditions show considerable variation across the country:
- Kansas: 49% rated good to excellent
- Oklahoma: 68% rated good to excellent
- Illinois: 69% rated good to excellent
- South Dakota: 50% rated poor to very poor
Concerns persist in some areas due to ongoing drought conditions.
Soybeans and rice
Arkansas reports progress in soybean and rice planting, though specific percentages were not provided in the report.
Fruits and specialty crops
Florida's citrus groves are in the petal drop stage and developing small marble-sized fruit. In the Pacific Northwest, Washington state reports that apricots and peaches are in full bloom, with cherry blossoms beginning to appear. The warm March temperatures have accelerated crop development in some areas but have also raised concerns about potential frost damage to fruit crops.
Pasture and livestock
Pasture conditions are improving in many areas, reducing the need for supplemental feeding. However, some regions still report short hay supplies and continued reliance on supplemental feed. Calving and lambing are well underway across much of the country, with most states reporting normal to good livestock conditions.
Weather and moisture conditions
March temperatures were generally above average across much of the country, with Illinois reporting temperatures 6.1 degrees above normal. Precipitation patterns have been highly variable:
- California: Received ample rainfall, with excellent conditions for many crops
- Arizona: Faces severe to exceptional drought across much of the state
- Nevada: Reports 80% of its topsoil moisture as short to very short
- New Mexico: Faces exceptional drought conditions in some areas
Field activities
Farmers across the Midwest are engaged in spring tillage, fertilizer applications, and manure spreading where conditions allow. Southern states are further along, with Florida reporting the completion of watermelon planting and the start of blueberry harvest.
As the planting season progresses, farmers are closely monitoring weather forecasts to make informed planting decisions. While overall conditions are mixed, many producers remain optimistic about the 2025 growing season. The USDA's next Crop Progress report, scheduled for release in early May, will provide further insights into planting progress and crop conditions as the season advances.
