Improved soil moisture levels are leading to some optimism in Iowa ahead of planting.
The USDA says there were multiple snow and rain events during February, including a late-month blizzard, which has helped lessen drought conditions in parts of the state.
That has made some feedlots muddy and temperatures were wide-ranging, but livestock is reportedly in good shape with calving and lambing underway.
Poor gravel road conditions in parts of Iowa have hampered grain movement somewhat.