Warm weather allowed farmers to prepare for the spring planting in New Mexico, where light insect and weed problems were reported. Cold, cloudy weather in Texas early in the week slowed insect activity and limited winter wheat progress. Later in the week, dry weather across Texas allowed producers to begin fertilizing and topdressing fields. Mild weather in the lower Mississippi Valley permitted fieldwork to gain headway. Cold weather in the Midwest changed to unusually mild conditions late in the week.
Midwestern farmers spread fertilizer and lime later in the week after temperatures rose.
Moisture from the snow melt in Kansas was absorbed by the unfrozen soil and benefited the small grains. Warm weather in the Ohio Valley stimulated wheat growth. Cool weather and wet field conditions in the Southeastern States limited field preparation. Bitter cold nighttime temperatures, snow, and high winds in the northern Great Plains stressed livestock. The winter wheat condition remained mostly fair to good in Montana despite cold arctic weather and wind.