Crop Progress - State Stories ISSN: 2470-9816 Released March 4, 2026, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ALABAMA: Warm conditions and limited precipitation moved into the State by the middle of February. The western half of the State was generally warmer and dryer than the eastern portion. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 0.5 inches in Baldwin County to 5.2 inches in Jackson County. Rainfall late in the month helped, but more rainfall is needed to fully push out of the dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 67 percent of the State was experiencing at least moderate drought conditions at the end of the month. The warm temperatures and sporadic rainfall allowed winter wheat to mature at a good pace for the year. Some row crop producers began preparations such as burndown and cultivating for the upcoming planting season, but more activity is expected over March. Fruit trees and bushes were budding from the warm temperatures in the back half of the month. The warmth combined with some rainfall allowed pastures to just start to green out, but livestock producers continued to feed supplemental hay. Livestock were noted to remain in good condition. ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE ARIZONA: This report is for the week ending March 1, 2026. By week's end, 61 percent of Arizona barley had emerged, of which 15 percent had headed, up 2 and 15 percentage points, respectively, from the previous year's levels. Arizona barley was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 9 percent of the crop rated fair. Similarly, 66 percent of Arizona's Durum wheat had emerged, of which 13 percent had headed, up 5 and 13 percentage points, respectively, from the previous year's levels. Arizona's Durum wheat was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 1 percent of the crop rated fair. Alfalfa hay harvest continued to take place on approximately 55 percent of the crop's acreage throughout the State. Arizona's alfalfa crop was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 4 percent of the crop rated fair. Pasture and range conditions throughout the State deteriorated when compared to that of the previous report. Thirty-six percent of the State's pasture and rangeland was rated very poor, 41 percent was rated poor, 15 percent was rated fair, and 8 percent was rated good. Reports from eastern counties have reiterated that grazing conditions continue to deteriorate as a result of prolonged drought. However, annual spring forages have emerged in areas of lower elevation which has provided some relief to livestock producers. Topsoil moisture levels continue to fall as much of the State has been affected by drought. Fifteen percent of the State is rated very short, 14 percent is rated short, and 71 percent is rated adequate. Subsoil moisture levels followed a similar trend. Over the past week, measurable precipitation was lacking across much of the State. However, throughout the month of February, Arizona experienced widespread precipitation across central areas. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), western areas of the San Francisco Plateau received the most precipitation, accumulating approximately 3.50 inches while other areas of the State received anywhere from trace amounts to 2.50 inches of total precipitation. The seasonal mean temperature and total precipitation outlooks for March, April, and May were issued by the National Weather Service on February 19, 2026. The seasonal mean temperature outlook continues to show that temperatures will likely be above normal for the entirety of the State, with southeastern regions having a higher probability of experiencing warmer temperatures than the remainder of the State. Similarly, the seasonal total precipitation outlook continues to show that precipitation will likely be below normal for the entirety of the State, with the eastern quarter of Arizona having a higher probability of experiencing below average precipitation than the remaining three-quarters of the State. Arizona's seasonal drought outlook was updated on February 28, 2026. The outlook now shows that conditions are expected to persist throughout all areas of the State that were affected by moderate drought (D1) or higher on February 24. Excluding far western regions, drought development is expected across all remaining areas of the State. Current streamflow conditions were rated from much below to above normal. Streamflow conditions are suffering the most in the Upper San Pedro, Upper Santa Cruz, Upper Salt, and Lower Gila River Basins. As of February 24, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed no change in conditions when compared to that of the report dated January 27. Abnormally dry conditions (D0) bounded 34 percent of the State, moderate drought (D1) encompassed 28 percent, and severe drought (D2) enveloped 6 percent of the State's total land area. Arizona remained free of extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4) drought. Over the past week, temperatures were above normal according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPRCC). Daytime highs throughout Arizona ranged from 9 to 15 degrees above normal and ranged from the upper 50's in north- central Coconino County to the mid 90's across southwestern regions of the State. Overnight lows ranged from 3 degrees below to 15 degrees above normal and ranged from 25 to 45 degrees across northern and eastern counties, whereas counties within the Sonoran Desert experienced lows of 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. ARKANSAS: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies were 16% very short, 37% short, 44% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 21% very short, 32% short, 44% adequate, and 3% surplus. There were 21 days suitable for fieldwork during the month of February. Producers were reporting dry conditions Statewide. Burn bans were in place for several counties across the State. The wheat crop was still in good condition with little to no damage from the winter storm. Ponds were at historical lows. Most of the State was in severe to exceptional drought. CALIFORNIA: Days suitable for fieldwork 6.4. Topsoil moisture 90% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% short, 90% adequate and 5% surplus. Pasture and range condition 5% fair, 50% good, and 45% excellent. Winter wheat condition 5% fair, 25% good, and 70% excellent. As of March 2, snowpack content ranged from 9.8 in the Northern Sierra, 15.6 in the Central Sierra, and 18.8 in the Southern Sierra. After a relatively dry January, rain was abundant during February and provided much needed moisture. Winter grains grew in vibrant green hues and alfalfa fields continued to grow well. Wheat, oats, barley, and triticale were well established for the season. Wet field conditions limited mechanical field work towards the end of February. However, sunny afternoons toward the end of the month allowed growers to complete essential field preparations for spring crops. Winter vegetables grew quickly during the month, and some were harvested. There was some lack of availability of broccoli due to planting gaps from excessive rain during late November and early December. Carrot harvest neared completion in Kern County by months end, while harvest began in the Imperial Valley. The garlic crop was progressing well with good quality. In Tulare County, onions, kale, cauliflower and cabbage were harvested and available at farmers' markets. Almond orchards bloomed during the month as brush was cleared and fallen trees were removed. Bee colonies were placed in almond orchards for pollination. Growers applied full bloom spray. Pistachio and walnut orchards were pruned and cleaned. Growers sprayed their orchards with fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. Many sprayings were applied aerially due to the wet conditions. Stone fruit was in various stages of bloom throughout the month and leaves were emerging. Bee colonies were placed amid the blooming trees. Grape vineyards were pruned, and their vines were tied. Persimmon harvest was ongoing. Asian pear trees were blooming. Rain during the third week of February hampered berry harvest and was expected to improve by the end of the month. Olive orchards were pruned and cleaned. Navel orange, grapefruit, pummelo, tangelo, mandarin, and lemon harvests were ongoing, however there was some delay by heavy rainfall during the month. Rangeland remained green and lush with rising temperatures during the daytime and additional rain. Both irrigated and non-irrigated pastures were in good condition. Sheep were grazing on various alfalfa fields throughout the month. COLORADO: This report for Colorado is for the month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 30% very short, 44% short, 25% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 27% very short, 39% short, 33% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 12% very poor, 21% poor, 28% fair, 38% good, 1% excellent. Livestock condition 3% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 52% good, 13% excellent. Pasture and range condition 17% very poor, 28% poor, 30% fair, 22% good, 3% excellent. As of March 1, 2026, snowpack in Colorado was 62 percent measured as percent of median snowfall according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. February precipitation was below average across most of the State, while average temperatures ranged from 3 to 15 degrees above normal. Survey comments noted producers remain concerned about drought conditions and water availability for the upcoming season after a continued mild winter. Calving and lambing have had a good start due to warm temperatures and limited moisture. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 25 percent of the State was drought free, compared with 55 percent a year ago. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at 19 percent, moderate drought (D1) at 22 percent, severe drought (D2) at 25 percent, extreme drought (D3) at 8 percent, and exceptional drought (D4) at 1 percent. DELAWARE: The February 2026 blizzard was one of the snowiest in Delaware in a decade, bringing widespread heavy snow and strong winds. Cold and snowy conditions will likely delay the application of fertilizer for some small grain fields. Some cover crops look impacted from these extreme weather conditions. The recent snowstorm caused power outages in Southern Sussex especially the Laurel area, causing some poultry farmers to run generators for 2 days. FLORIDA: Drought conditions continued to worsen across the State. According to the drought monitor, the entire State was in at least moderate drought conditions with 67 percent experiencing extreme drought conditions. Rainfall ranged from no rain to 4.6 inches in Washington County, but rainfall for most of the State was 1 to 3 inches below average for the month. Temperatures for the peninsula were between 3 to 5 degrees below normal but were above average in the panhandle. Freezing temperatures during the first of the month resulted in a hard freeze across the State which impacted crop conditions. Winter grazing and cover crops continued to struggle with the lack of rainfall. The hard freeze early in the month damaged strawberries, blueberries, citrus, and vegetable crops. Sugarcane producers expedited harvest because of the freeze earlier in the month. Watermelon and rice planting was about halfway completed by the end of the month. Hay and supplemental feed continued to be fed by livestock producers. Hay supplies were squeezed even further due to poor pasture quality, a result of months of cold and dry conditions. GEORGIA: February temperatures were above historical averages for most of the State other than the mid-south to southeast regions. Total rainfall for the month ranged from 1.4 inches in Brantley County to 6.7 inches in DeKalb County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 14 percent of the State had moderate drought conditions, 53 percent had severe drought conditions, and 33 percent had extreme drought conditions towards the month's end. Persistent drought conditions continued in February across all regions of the State. Large temperature swings during the month included several deep freeze events that affected forages and crops. Small grains growth was slower than normal due to both drought and cold snaps. Some improvement occurred late in the month resulting from warmer temperatures and increased precipitation. Peaches and blueberries were especially vulnerable to the freezing weather with early blooming varieties reportedly suffering significant losses. Vineyards reported concerns about early bud break and freeze risk. Greenhouse vegetable transplant production was ramping up. Farmers were preparing for corn planting, though dry soils were a concern. Land prep, liming, and fertilizer applications for row crops were underway Statewide. Pastures were slow to green up due to dry weather in February, leading to increased hay feeding. Concerns about ponds and streams not refilling were common. HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE IDAHO: The average February temperatures were above normal across the State. High-elevation snow was good, but low- to mid-elevation snow and precipitation were lacking. The combination of warmer temperatures and limited moisture led to earlier than usual spring field preparations and caused soil moisture to fall below normal levels. Winter cereals and alfalfa began breaking dormancy ahead of schedule, and winter annual weeds grew rapidly. The mild winter reduced stress on new calves. Warmer weather also reduced the use of hay stocks, and supplies looked good heading into the calving and lambing season. ILLINOIS: For the week ending March 1, 2026. Topsoil moisture 37% very short, 37% short, 26% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture 33% very short, 42% short, 25% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition 1% very poor, 3% poor, 35% fair, 54% good, and 7% excellent. INDIANA: Topsoil moisture for the month of February was 18% very short, 26% short, 51% adequate, 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month was 24% very short, 30% short, 44% adequate, 2% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 30% fair, 55% good, 9% excellent. Statewide temperatures averaged 31.8 degrees, 0.4 degrees above normal for the month of February. Statewide average precipitation was 1.06 inches, 1.42 inches below normal. While some fields were muddy, persistent low precipitation and warmer-than-average periods resulted in abnormally low subsoil moisture levels. Winter wheat condition remained stable, but farmers hoped for more moisture. Livestock deaths were reported during the periods of extreme cold temperatures. Other activities for the week included delivering grain, attending winter training and expos, and fertilizer applications. IOWA: Temperatures across much of Iowa in February swung from cold to unseasonably warm. Statewide temperature for the month was 31.3 degrees Fahrenheit, over 7 degrees above normal. Statewide average precipitation was 0.38 inches, well below the 1.18 inch normal. There were reports of dry soil conditions throughout much of the State. The dry conditions were beneficial for grain movement and fertilizer application. Varying frost depths were reported throughout the State. Calving was ongoing, with minimal challenges for livestock reported. KANSAS: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 29% short, 54% adequate, 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 31% short, 53% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 3% very poor, 9% poor, 30% fair, 48% good, 10% excellent. KENTUCKY: For the month of February, hay supplies 2% very short, 17% short, 77% adequate, 4% surplus. Livestock condition 2% poor, 26% fair, 65% good, 7% excellent. Condition of winter wheat 1% poor, 21% fair, 69% good, 9% excellent. Weather for the month has been very inconsistent. A cold snap featuring ice and snow stressed animals. This stress was exacerbated by a sharply contrasting warm up. There were reports of respiratory complications in cattle due to the drastic change. The thaw created very muddy pastures, but spring calving has been aided by warmer temperatures. Crop producers are beginning to apply fertilizer in preparation for spring planting. LOUISIANA: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies were 11% very short, 48% short, 39% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 11% very short, 47% short, 41% adequate, and 1% surplus. There were 23 days suitable for fieldwork during the month of February. Overall, the State experienced dry and windy conditions. Field work was taking place, rice and corn planting started in some parts of the State. Vegetable planting was in full swing. MARYLAND: The State experienced a month of colder than average temperatures with snow and ice cover reported throughout Maryland. Small grain progress is a bit behind previous years, coming into March. Soil conditions are very wet, preventing many field operations or soil testing currently. The eastern shore is not faring much better with accounts of mud logged fields, standing water, and reported instances of HPAI in Queen Anne's county. MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture 12% short, 82% adequate, 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture 11% very short, 21% short, 63% adequate, 5% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 33% fair, 61% good, 2% excellent. Precipitation for the month averaged 1.62 inches throughout the State, 0.04 inches below normal. Temperature for the month averaged 23.2 degrees, 1.2 degrees above normal. Throughout February the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula maintained snow cover protecting wheat and alfalfa and limited field work. Areas in the mid and southern Lower Peninsula had visible ground in late February. Maple syrup production began in the southeast area of the State. Field work was limited due to the frozen soil. Other activities for the month included tax preparation, hauling manure, moving grain to elevators and cutting firewood. MINNESOTA: February 2026 was warmer than usual, with Statewide temperatures averaging 21 degrees, more than six degrees above average for the month. Higher-than-normal temps were seen across the entire State, but were most pronounced in the southwest, where some counties recorded an average high of over 40 degrees. The warmer weather did not come with more snow, as snowfall was lower than normal for most of the State, especially in the south where the majority of counties saw 5-10 less inches than average. Reporters noted no significant livestock concerns. Calving and lambing were generally progressing smoothly. Due to the temperature swings during the month, some reporters expressed concern about livestock disease risk. There was some concern about the warm spells creating ice in the fields, potentially killing hay ground. MISSISSIPPI: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies were 6% very short, 22% short, 54% adequate, and 18% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 6% very short, 18% short, 65% adequate, and 11% surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork during the month of February were 19 days. Overall, the State was experiencing drought conditions, burn bans were in place throughout. Livestock producers were cutting down on feeding hay as horses and cattle were beginning to pick in the pastures more. Some spraying and bedding of sweet potatoes had begun but limited. MISSOURI: For the week ending March 1, 2026. Topsoil moisture 17% very short, 38% short, 45% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture 16% very short, 40% short, 44% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor, 8% poor, 32% fair, 55% good, and 5% excellent. MONTANA: This report for Montana is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 12% very short, 60% short, 28% adequate. Subsoil moisture 11% very short, 68% short, 20% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 82% fair, 18% good. Winter wheat - wind damage was 3% none, 74% light, 14% moderate, 9% severe. Winter wheat - freeze damage 59% none, 26% light, 14% moderate, 1% severe. Winter wheat - protectiveness of snow cover 88% very poor, 9% poor, 3% fair. Pasture and range condition 35% very poor, 27% poor, 30% fair, 8% good. Livestock grazing accessibility 83% open, 11% difficult, 6% closed. Cows calved 10%. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 88%. Ewes lambed 9%. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 89%. February precipitation was average to well below average across much of the State, while average temperatures ran from 3 degrees to more than 15 degrees above average. Survey comments supported the noted weather information. Producer concerns centered around the lack of spring runoff relative to filling natural water sources for livestock and irrigation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 10 percent of the State was drought free, compared with nearly 41 percent February 25, 2025. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at nearly 34 percent, moderate drought (D1) at just over 38 percent, severe drought (D2) at 14 percent, and extreme drought (D3) at just over 4 percent. NEBRASKA: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies rated 40% very short, 35% short, 25% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 35% very short, 45% short, 20% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 9% very poor, 31% poor, 42% fair, 18% good, and 0% excellent. NEVADA: Days suitable for fieldwork 7.0. Topsoil moisture 5% very short, 5% short, 80% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% very short, 15% short, 75% adequate, and 5% surplus. Pasture and range condition 5% very poor, 0% poor, 70% fair, 15% good, and 10% excellent. While Nevada saw some precipitation in February, it was not enough to improve the drought conditions from the previous month. As of February 24, 34% of the State was not in a drought, 45% of the State was abnormally dry, while 19% was in Moderate Drought and 2% was in Severe Drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alfalfa was still dormant. Annual weeds started to germinate. NEW ENGLAND: New England has experienced cold conditions with temperatures generally ranging below average. Snowfall occurred in small, regular intervals, contributing to a steady snow cover, typically over a foot deep, with minimal freezing and thawing. This consistent snow cover is expected to result in very little winter kill for sod crops. In Maine, reporters described weather conditions that affected farms and livestock with the cold conditions causing increase in equipment breakdowns, animal illness, and higher feed consumption. In Massachusetts, cranberries seem to be stagnant, vines are dormant and are not expected to bud unless the weather changes to warmer conditions. Despite the weather conditions, Vermont maple producers have completed the prep stage and are entering the next step for maple. Some dairy farmers have expressed concerns about their ability to continue operations, with one farm already ceasing business and another expected to follow. Farmers are anticipating spring and warmer temperatures, hoping for a successful 2026 crop year to help mitigate these difficulties. NEW JERSEY: February saw heavy snow, wind, and below-average temperatures with another late-month winter storm. Agricultural activity continued to be slowed by weather conditions throughout the month, with early herb and vegetable planting being postponed in many areas. Coastal waters continued to experience deep freezing, leading to some mollusk losses. Storm conditions additionally have been a concern for some honeybee operations. NEW MEXICO: This report for New Mexico is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 50% very short, 40% short, 10% adequate. Subsoil moisture 50% very short, 35% short, 15% adequate. Winter wheat condition 5% very poor, 19% poor, 50% fair, 16% good, 10% excellent. Cows calved 29%. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 53%. Cattle condition 5% very poor, 9% poor, 16% fair, 25% good, 45% excellent. Ewes lambed 15%. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 81%. Sheep and lambs condition 17% very poor, 21% poor, 35% fair, 27% good. Hay and roughage supplies 18% short, 82% adequate. Stock water supplies 6% very short, 36% short, 58% adequate. Pasture and range condition 43% very poor, 14% poor, 11% fair, 26% good, 6% excellent. For the month of February, precipitation was average to slightly below average for this time of year. Much the of State received trace to 0.3 inches of rainfall, with some counties along the western and northern border receiving over 0.6 inches. Temperatures for the month of February were 2 to 6 degrees above average for much of the State; however, counties along the eastern border were mostly 6 degrees above average. Survey comments noted a cold start to February, with temperatures warming towards the end of the month. There was also noted concern about increased fire risk due to the lack of precipitation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 3 percent of the State was drought free, compared with just over 8 percent drought free on February 25, 2025. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at 30 percent, moderate drought (D1) at 31 percent, severe drought (D2) at 35 percent, and extreme drought (D3) at just under 2 percent. NEW YORK: This past month of February experienced slightly more stable weather patterns compared to January with some of the northern areas of the State experiencing cold temps and above average snowfall. March was expected to start off cold but return to normal temperatures. The only primary activity that was reported was manure spreading. Concern among fruit growers regarding extreme cold was expressed particularly for more sensitive crops like cherries and peaches. This concern was also evident among honeybee operations as bee populations require periods of cleansing of hives to avoid dysentery and nosema and extreme cold prevents this. There were no reports mentioned regarding cold weather harm to grains or other livestock. NORTH CAROLINA: For the month ending March 1, 2026, subsoil moisture 11% very short, 30% short, 53% adequate and 6% surplus. Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 14% short, 70% adequate and 15% surplus. Barley condition 14% fair and 86% good. Oats condition 1% poor, 60% fair and 39% good. Pasture and range condition 3% very poor, 54% poor, 25% fair, 16% good and 2% excellent. Winter wheat conditions are 5% poor, 31% fair, 58% good and 6% excellent. Throughout February, dry conditions were alleviated to a small extent with recent rains this week. Although much of the State is still in a drought, subsoil conditions continue to be drier than normal for this time of year. Ponds, creeks and swamps are still low. Rainfall is below average. NORTH DAKOTA: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies rated 2% very short, 7% short, 82% adequate, 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2% very short, 9% short, 80% adequate, 9% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 45% fair, 51% good, 1% excellent. Cattle and calves conditions, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 15% fair, 78% good, 6% excellent. Cattle and calf death loss, 1% heavy, 57% average, 42% light. Calving progress, 18% complete. Sheep and lamb conditions, 0% very poor, 1% poor, 14% fair, 82% good, 3% excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss, 6% heavy, 72% average, 22% light. Lambing progress, 41% complete. Shearing progress, 45% complete. Hay and roughage supplies, 0% very short, 5% short, 87% adequate, 8% surplus. Stock water supplies, 1% very short, 10% short, 81% adequate, 8% surplus. OHIO: Topsoil moisture for the month was 3% very short, 17% short, 68% adequate, 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the month was 17% very short, 13% short, 61% adequate, 9% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 35% fair, 47% good, 13% excellent. The Statewide average temperature was 28.9 degrees, 2.0 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.09 inches Statewide, 1.37 inches below normal for January. Early February saw large accumulations of snow, by the end of the month much of the snow melted. Mild temperatures warmed up soil and began drying out fields which allowed for some tillage to begin in the South. Other activities for the month included tax preparation, tending livestock and hauling manure. OKLAHOMA: For the month of February, rainfall totals averaged 1.01 inches throughout the State, with the Southeast district recording the highest precipitation at 2.57 inches and the Panhandle district recording the lowest precipitation at 0.09 inches. According to the February 24th U.S. Drought Monitor Report, 100 percent of the State was in the abnormally dry to exceptional drought category, up 19 points from the previous year. Additionally, 91 percent of the State was in the moderate drought to exceptional drought category, up 73 points from the previous year. Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 40's to low 50's, with the lowest recording of 7 degrees at Kenton on Sunday, February 22nd, and the highest recording of 87 degrees at Waurika on Saturday, February 28th. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated short to adequate and subsoil moisture conditions were rated short to very short. OREGON: In Polk County, February was dry until the final week. Three days of rain had led to ponding in crop fields. Spraying for weeds had begun. Hazelnut trees had produced many catkins, and pollination had occurred. In other parts of northwest Oregon, agronomic and horticultural crops had been good. It had been too wet to do any soil tilling, but there had been windows for crop protection applications. Benton and Lincoln counties experienced hail, snow, and flooding amid early spring growth. The significant rainfall and high tides caused localized flooding in pastureland. There had been an active growth of cool-season pasture grasses. While the snowpack in the Blue Mountains was well below normal, rainfall quantity and timing in lower elevations were beneficial for the wheat crop; however, stripe rust was evident on susceptible wheat varieties. Producers had begun preparing the ground for spring crops. In Malheur County, concerns over low snowpack and a lack of precipitation were growing ahead of the crop season. Lake County had received significant rainfall, helping increase storage levels in the reservoirs. PENNSYLVANIA: For the month of February, the State experienced continued cold temperatures in the first half of the month, while the second half of the month saw more mild temperatures. Most fields remained snow covered until mid-February, although some still had snow on them towards the end of the month. Manure spreading took place when the ground was still frozen. The milder temperatures at the end of the month had made fields wet and muddy, preventing some manure spreading and other field activities. The milder temperatures also caused some greenup in grass and wheat. SOUTH CAROLINA: February temperatures were close to normal for the western half of the State while the eastern half of the State experienced below average temperatures ranging mostly from 2 to 4 degrees below normal. Total rainfall during the month ranged from 1.3 inches in Beaufort County to 7.8 inches in Barnwell County. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 35 percent of the State had moderate drought conditions, 53 percent had severe drought conditions, and 12 percent had extreme drought conditions towards the month's end. Persistent drought continued through February across the State, especially in the Upstate and western Midlands. The State experienced extreme temperature swings, causing stress to crops. Many counties report short, stalled, or behind-schedule wheat and small grains due to drought. Some improvement occurred after late-February rains. Cold weather damage on forages and fruits was reported in some counties. Coastal regions accumulated unusually high chill hours. Strawberries were beginning to bloom and tomatoes were being planted on the Sea Islands. Most counties were in field preparation mode for row crop planting. Lime, litter, and weed control applications were ongoing. Drought has severely limited winter grazing in many counties. Producers have been feeding hay much longer than normal, leading to hay shortages. Some producers were selling cattle due to feed constraints. SOUTH DAKOTA: For the week ending March 1, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies rated 21% very short, 27% short, 49% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 21% very short, 28% short, 49% adequate, and 2% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 6% very poor, 8% poor, 37% fair, 47% good, and 2% excellent. TENNESSEE: Days Suitable 4.9. Topsoil moisture 4% very short, 20% short, 68% adequate, 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 29% short, 57% adequate, 6% surplus. Winter wheat condition 3% very poor, 9% poor, 39% fair, 35% good, 14% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 8% very poor, 16% poor, 42% fair, 31% good, 3% excellent. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 6% poor, 29% fair, 55% good, and 9% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies are 3% very short, 18% short, 70% adequate, 9% surplus. Drought conditions are improving in several counties after the snow and rain in parts of the State. Calving season is reported to be going well which is a welcome change after livestock operations suffered through winter storm Fern. The earlier snow and freezing temperatures contributed to some degree of crop damage. But positive reports of winter wheat growing normally and canola growing out of freeze injury is promising. Pastures are beginning to experience a spring green-up, motivating farmers to start making field preparations for the 2026 planting, spraying fields and applying fertilizer. TEXAS: For the month of February, precipitation ranged from trace amounts to upwards of 6 inches, with the Blacklands and the Upper Coast districts receiving the most rain. The last week of February experienced unusual warm temperatures with daytime in 70's & 80's and needed additional moisture. Wheat was steadily recovering from the harsh freeze earlier in the month. Both sorghum and corn planting started. The pecan harvest was delayed, citrus harvest continued and cantaloupe planting was underway. Most producers were feeding livestock hay and other supplements. In the southern High Plains, North East Texas and the Trans-Pecos, feral hogs were active in some fields. Pasture and range conditions were rated poor to fair. UTAH: This report for Utah is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 8% very short, 36% short, 54% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 13% very short, 34% short, 53% adequate. Pasture and range condition 63% fair, 33% good, 4% excellent. Winter wheat condition 4% fair, 92% good, 4% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 9% very short, 22% short, 65% adequate, 4% surplus. Stock water supplies 10% short, 82% adequate, 8% surplus. Cattle and calves condition 18% fair, 40% good, 42% excellent. Sheep and lambs condition 21% fair, 69% good, 10% excellent. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 90%. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 91%. Cows calved 11%. Ewes lambed-farm flock 8%. Ewes lambed-range flock 4%. Mild temperatures along with a few snowstorms occurred throughout the State for the month of February. Snowpack in Utah, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service as of March 2, 2026, was 61 percent measured as percent of median snowfall Beaver, Cache, Grand, and Summit Counties noted conditions were mild and abnormally dry during February with below normal snowpack. Cache, Grand, and Summit Counties receive some rain or snow within the past week. Beaver and Summit Counties reports that livestock producers were dealing with no calving and lambing issues. VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture 1% very short, 22% short, 54% adequate, 23% surplus. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 28% short, 62% adequate, 2% surplus. Winter wheat condition 2% very poor, 7% poor, 47% fair, 43% good, 1% excellent. Barley condition 3% very poor, 23% poor, 34% fair, 32% good, 8% excellent. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 49% good, 9% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 18% very poor, 21% poor, 41% fair, 19% good, 1% excellent. Hay supplies 5% very short, 32% short, 60% adequate, 3% surplus. Percent of feed obtained from pastures 11%. Virginia experienced below normal temperatures and varied precipitation throughout February. According to the February 24 U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Virginia remains in moderate to severe drought conditions despite snowfall and rain events. Some producers are concerned with their feed reserves lasting until cattle can be turned out on grass. Hay and roughage supplies are mostly adequate to short. Primary activities for the month include tending and feeding livestock, cleaning up after the snowstorms, and monitoring crops for freezing. WASHINGTON: In Washington, snowpack remained significantly below normal. Overall, winter has been both warmer and drier than average. All regions received some moisture during the month, in most cases as rainfall. Producers across the State began moving forward with spring work. Winter crops generally looked good. Winter wheat mites were reported in northern Lincoln County, where some growers sprayed for them. Winter wheat was ahead of development, given the time of year. Herbicide spraying will start in the next few weeks as temperatures remain unseasonably warm. WEST VIRGINIA: For the week ending March 1, Topsoil moisture 23% very short, 33% short, 42% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 27% very short, 37% short, and 36% adequate. Hay and roughage supplies 1% very short, 18% short, 76% adequate, and 5% surplus. Feed grain supplies 5% very short, 16% short, 77% adequate, and 2% surplus. Winter wheat condition 18% poor, 45% fair, and 37% good. Cattle and calves condition 2% very poor, 3% poor, 32% fair, 58% good, and 5% excellent. Percent calved 21%. Sheep and lambs condition 1% very poor, 6% poor, 28% fair, 61% good, and 4% excellent. Percent lambed 17%. Weather conditions for the month have been a mix of some warmer periods with cold. Conditions have been dry with some mixtures of rain, snow, and ice. Farming activities for the month included monitoring weather conditions and livestock. WISCONSIN: February temperatures averaged 23.9 degrees, 4.8 degrees above normal. The State averaged 0.97 inches of precipitation throughout the month, 0.18 inches below normal. Some livestock strain was reported due to fluctuating temperatures. Some manure applications were reported. WYOMING: This report for Wyoming is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 41% very short, 38% short, 21% adequate. Subsoil moisture 55% very short, 29% short, 16% adequate. Winter wheat condition 18% very poor, 33% poor, 48% fair, 1% good. Cows calved 11%. Ewes lambed 15%. Sheep shorn 25%. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 1% poor, 12% fair, 73% good, 13% excellent. Pasture and range condition 20% very poor, 28% poor, 28% fair, 24% good. Hay and roughage supplies 3% very short, 16% short, 71% adequate, 10% surplus. Stock water supplies 20% very short, 21% short, 55% adequate, 4% surplus. February precipitation varied from average to well below average, depending on location, while average temperatures ran 6 degrees to more than 15 degrees above average. Survey comments noted extreme dryness across several counties, while other areas had received mountain snow and lever elevation rainfall. Producer concerns centered around diminished snowpack across most mountain ranges in the State, and the result that will have on irrigation water supplies. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 6 percent of the State was drought free, compared with about 4 percent drought free on February 25, 2025. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at just over 15 percent, moderate drought (D1) at just over 50 percent, severe drought (D2) at nearly 25 percent, and extreme drought (D3) at just over 3 percent. Statistical Methodology Survey Procedures: Crop progress and condition estimates included in this report are based on survey data collected in December, January, February, and March. The non-probability crop progress and condition surveys include input from approximately 4,000 respondents whose occupations provide them opportunities to make visual observations and frequently bring them in contact with farmers in their counties. Based on standard definitions, these respondents subjectively estimate the progress of crops through various stages of development, as well as the progress of producer activities. They also provide subjective evaluations of crop and soil moisture conditions. Any weather data mentioned in this report is provided by outside sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Agricultural Weather Information Service (AWIS). USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Information Contacts Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Crops Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@usda.gov Anthony Prillaman, Acting Chief, Crops Branch............................................. (202) 720-2127 Chris Hawthorn, Head, Field Crops Section................................................. (202) 720-2127 Fleming Gibson, Head, Fruits, Vegetables, and Special Crops Section....................... (202) 236-2428 Joshua Bates - Asparagus, Hemp, Maple Syrup, Soybeans................................ (202) 690-3234 Natasha Bruton - Cotton System Consumption and Stocks, Grain Crushings, Fats and Oils, Flour Milling Products, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Plums, Prunes..... (202) 690-1042 Noemi Guindin - Crop Progress and Condition, Kiwifruit............................... (202) 720-2127 Michelle Harder - Hay, Kale, Peanuts, Raspberries.................................... (202) 690-8533 Deonne Holiday - Almonds, Carrots, Coffee, Cranberries, Garlic, Onions Proso Millet, Rye, Tobacco...................................................... (202) 720-4288 Bret Holliman - Apricots, Barley, Chickpeas, Nectarines, Peaches, Snap Beans, Tomatoes............................................................ (202) 720-7235 James Johanson - Dry Edible Beans, Lettuce, Macadamias, Wheat........................ (202) 720-8068 Greg Lemmons - Beets, Corn, Flaxseed, Pears, Rice, Sweet Corn........................ (202) 720-9526 Krishna Rizal - Artichokes, Celery, Grapefruit, Lemons, Mandarins and tangerines, Mint, Mushrooms, Olives, Oranges, Pistachios.................................... (202) 720-5412 Chris Singh - Apples, Cucumbers, Hazelnuts, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Squash, Sugarbeets, Sugarcane, Sweet Potatoes................................... (202) 720-4285 Becky Sommer - Cabbage, Cotton, Cotton Ginnings, Sorghum, Walnuts, Strawberries...... (202) 720-5944 Travis Thorson - Blueberries, Canola, Mustard Seed, Rapeseed, Safflower, Spinach, Sunflower.............................................................. (202) 720-7369 Antonio Torres - Cantaloupes, Dry Edible Peas, Grapes, Green Peas, Honeydews, Lentils, Oats, Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries, Watermelons............ (202) 720-2157 Chris Wallace - Avocados, Bell Peppers, Chile Peppers, Dates, Floriculture, Hops, Papayas, Pecans........................................................... (202) 720-4215 Access to NASS Reports For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways: All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: www.nass.usda.gov. The national specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free subscription, visit www.nass.usda.gov and click on "National" in upper right corner above "search" box to create an account and select the reports you would like to receive. Economics, Statistics, and Market Information (ESMIS) - National Agricultural Library (NAL) website houses NASS's and other agency archived reports at https://esmis.nal.usda.gov. All email subscriptions containing reports will be sent from https://esmis.nal.usda.gov. 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