DELMARVA — Farmers across the country are showing cautious optimism despite concerns about the agricultural economy’s direction, according to new research from Purdue University. The latest Ag Economy Barometer tracked responses from 400 producers nationwide, revealing a modest uptick in confidence levels. However, the survey also exposed deeper anxieties about where the sector is headed. The mixed sentiment comes as agricultural producers focus heavily on managing input costs heading into the spring planting season.
Policy
House Agriculture Committee lawmakers began farm bill markup sessions Tuesday, with producers still waiting for long-term policy certainty. Committee Chairman GT Thompson addressed conservation funding concerns, stating there are no cuts to the conservation title in the proposed legislation.
Markets
May corn closed at $4.43¾, down 2¾ cents. May soybeans settled at $11.69½, down 1 cent. May Chicago wheat finished at $5.68¼, down 5¾ cents. April live cattle jumped $4.22 to $238.35.
Forecast
Areas of dense fog are expected tonight with a low near 39°. Thursday brings likely light rain with a high near 56°. Light rain continues Thursday night with temperatures dropping to 39°.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 4, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
