According to the Federal Reserve Board's Beige Book released for March, bank districts in Dallas, Kansas City and Minneapolis reported that livestock in their areas faced stressed conditions due to winter weather.
Furthermore, those who raise livestock in those areas had to give their animals supplemental feed because grazing conditions were less than optimal.
The report noted that "most districts" experienced crop conditions that were "generally favorable." However, weather did "dampen overall agricultural activity."
"Crop prices edged down following the bumper fall harvest, but Chicago noted that high-quality grain was selling at a premium, due in part to strong export demand," the Fed reported.
Difficult winter weather bothered producers last year in a number ways. Wet conditions delayed planting last year, which also drove the harvest back, causing many to have to use farm equipment deeper in the winter.
However, both corn and soy crops posted record production, a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted.
