Category: Agriculture

ARILJE, Serbia — Tucked into the hills of Serbia, the town of Arilje has built a remarkable identity around a single fruit: the raspberry. Known throughout the Balkan nation as its “raspberry capital,” Arilje’s reputation has spread well beyond its borders, with berries shipped to buyers as far away as the United States and Japan.

Serbia ranks among the top three raspberry-exporting nations in the world, and Arilje plays a central role in that standing. The municipality, home to roughly 17,000 residents and located about 170 kilometers — or around 100 miles — from the capital city of Belgrade, is responsible for approximately one-fifth of all raspberry exports from the country.

“We are born, we live and we die with raspberries,” said Mileta Pilcevic, who leads a local association of raspberry producers. “Arilje is unique in the world. You can’t find a smaller place with such big concentration of raspberry production.”

The region’s rolling, hilly terrain provides a naturally ideal climate for growing the fruit. What sets Arilje’s raspberries apart is the commitment to quality: no chemicals are used, and every berry is picked by hand.

Pilcevic explained that a raspberry field requires at least two years before it can produce a harvest. The fruit demands constant attention to develop the distinctive smell, taste, and aroma that have made it recognized around the globe. “Nothing must be done with machines or chemicals,” he said.

The raspberry fields have been passed down through generations, operating mostly as family businesses. On average, the fields surrounding Arilje produce between 15,000 and 20,000 tons of raspberries each year.

Early summer marks the harvest season, drawing seasonal workers from across Serbia and beyond — including, according to Pilcevic, workers from India and other parts of South Asia. Local resident Nada Marinkovic described the labor involved, noting that everything must be cleared of weeds and grass by hand. As for the picking itself, she said, “is only hard because of the sun.”

About 90% of Serbian raspberries are exported in frozen form, while the remainder are sold within the country. Some growers also sell fresh fruit and natural juices directly to consumers online. In Europe, the frozen berries are widely used in food processing, appearing in retail fruit products, jams, yogurt, and baked goods.

Despite the town’s proud legacy, producers are navigating a difficult period. This year’s harvest is expected to come in 20 to 30 percent below normal levels, largely due to a drought that struck last year. Extreme weather events — which experts suggest may be connected to climate change — have become a growing concern for growers.

Producers say the best way to manage that uncertainty is through more stable purchase prices. Pilcevic noted that the prices offered for raspberries too frequently leave farmers with little or no profit, making it impossible to absorb unexpected costs. The frustration has previously boiled over into public protests.

“It is not our job to be on the road but in the orchard,” Pilcevic said. “But, believe me when I say that we will be on the road if we have to.”

Australian authorities have intensified surveillance efforts and expanded testing after two confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu were detected in migratory seabirds, according to a Reuters report from Sydney on June 24.

Testing is now underway in South Australia following the discovery of two dead sub-Antarctic seabirds and a pelican on Monday near Fowlers Bay — located more than 1,200 kilometers (about 746 miles) east of Esperance in Western Australia, where the first two confirmed cases had been identified. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the findings.

South Australia’s Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven spoke with ABC Radio about the timeline for test results, saying it could be several days before answers are available. “In terms of the turnaround times, it sort of depends on the outcomes … we hope this doesn’t get to South Australia, but we know, of course, that it may,” Scriven said.

A spokesperson for the South Australia Primary Industries Department confirmed there are currently no verified bird flu cases in the state, but officials pledged to investigate any reports of sick or dead birds and to notify the public if a positive result is found.

Authorities are conducting ground-based surveillance as well as drone surveys at sea lion breeding locations along South Australia’s western and far western coastlines, and testing has been increased in areas considered high-risk.

In Western Australia, two additional birds — located far from where the initial cases were found — are also being tested, though officials say there is no evidence the virus has spread more widely. The ABC reported that a total of 11 samples have been sent for testing in Western Australia, drawn from 94 reports of dead or sick birds over the past three days.

Prior to these detections, Australia had been the only continent without a confirmed mainland bird flu case. The virus had previously been detected in late 2025 on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory belonging to Australia.

While human infections from avian influenza remain uncommon, the global spread of the disease has caused significant damage to poultry flocks and disrupted the supply and pricing of chicken meat and eggs in numerous countries. Australia has responded by tightening biosecurity measures on farms, increasing testing among shorebirds, vaccinating at-risk species, and running emergency response drills.

DELMARVA — The Senate Agriculture Committee chairman released a new farm bill draft Tuesday, introducing legislation titled the Agricultural Act of 2026. On a call with reporters, the chairman described it as “a critical step toward stability,” saying the bill will strengthen agriculture, support rural communities, and ensure farm families have the resources they need for generations to come. The release marks a significant development in the long-running push to advance new federal farm policy.

Policy

Poultry producers on Delmarva are facing a year-round biosecurity concern as highly pathogenic avian influenza shows signs of abandoning its traditional seasonal pattern. A producer with Farbest Farms in Indiana warned that the industry is still battling the virus and that the expected warm-weather slowdown can no longer be counted on.

Markets

Grain futures closed mixed Tuesday. July corn fell $0.01¾ to $4.09¾ per bushel. July soybeans gained $0.01¼, settling at $11.17 per bushel. July Chicago wheat dropped $0.10¾ to close at $5.86¾ per bushel.

On the livestock board, August live cattle settled at $246.00, down $1.35. August feeder cattle fell $2.27 to settle at $368.15.

Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel is bringing $4.52 per bushel on the December contract.

Forecast

A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect through 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, with producers advised to secure equipment. Conditions are expected to improve Wednesday, with sunny skies and a high of 83°F providing good drying conditions.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 23, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is applauding a newly released Farm Bill proposal from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), saying the legislation addresses several priorities important to the grain, feed, and processing industries.

The proposal includes provisions to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act, preserve the current Conservation Reserve Program acreage cap, and maintain support for export market development efforts such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.

According to the NGFA, reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act is essential to keeping the federal grain inspection and weighing system intact — a system that supports both domestic and international trust in U.S. grain and oilseed markets. The association says these authorities help protect the reliability and competitiveness of the U.S. grain marketing system and prevent disruptions to official inspection services.

The NGFA also praised the proposal’s inclusion of core elements from the Innovative FEED Act, known as IFEED. The bipartisan legislation aims to modernize and simplify the regulatory process for non-nutritive animal food ingredients that offer public and animal health benefits, including reducing the risk of human foodborne illness and improving animal production outcomes.

The association said it looks forward to examining the full legislation and working alongside Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), House and Senate leadership, and the administration to push the Farm Bill across the finish line in 2026. The NGFA emphasized that farmers, agricultural businesses, and the broader agricultural supply chain are in need of a long-term Farm Bill that provides stability and certainty.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 23, 2026 — The National Pork Producers Council, which speaks for more than 60,000 pork producers across the country, spearheaded a massive coalition of 330 organizations representing millions of agriculture producers in urging Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to include a Proposition 12 solution in the final 2026 Farm Bill.

Shortly after the coalition’s call to action, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman released a discussion draft of the farm bill. The draft addresses several priorities championed by the National Pork Producers Council — including funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan — but does not contain a fix for Proposition 12.

National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa, responded to the draft’s release. “While there is certainly room for improvement, we appreciate the Chairman putting forward a discussion draft to guide a path forward. He is spot on when he says, ‘it’s the Senate’s turn to deliver’ on a farm bill for all of rural America,” Brenneman said. “America’s pork producers will continue to advocate for a Prop. 12 fix in the formal farm bill like our livelihood depends on it — because it does.”

Adding pressure to the situation, activists launched a $30 million advertising campaign aimed at swaying lawmakers, distorting scientific facts, and undermining years of effort that real pig farmers have invested in seeking a Proposition 12 fix.

Brenneman pushed back on that campaign: “Prop. 12 is creating an unpredictable, unavoidable wave of conflicting state laws and uncertainty — and farmers are the ones left to drown in its wake. We don’t have millions of dollars to spend on political advertising fighting these senseless ads aimed at intimidating our congressional leaders. We need those leaders to hear what we are asking over baseless ad campaigns because we still have to raise our pigs, pay our bills, and compete in a marketplace increasingly shaped by mandates coming from states with very few pig farmers.”

If the final farm bill fails to address Proposition 12, pork producers say they will be left navigating a confusing web of state-level animal housing regulations. Industry advocates argue this patchwork of laws disproportionately harms smaller farming operations, limits veterinarians’ decision-making authority, drives up grocery prices for consumers, and erodes the rights of individual states.

Efforts to resolve the Proposition 12 issue have drawn bipartisan backing, as demonstrated by the successful passage of the 2026 Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The National Pork Producers Council expressed gratitude to its Senate supporters who have continued to champion the rights of American pork producers, including Senators Joni Ernst, Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Ted Budd, Pete Ricketts, Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, and Mike Rounds.

Artificial intelligence is getting a lot of buzz in agriculture these days — and for good reason. From developing new seed varieties to guiding sprayers across a field, AI tools are being used in more ways than ever before. But experts say it is important for farmers to understand that not all AI works the same way, and no single tool is right for every operation.

Most people have encountered AI through programs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google Gemini. These are known as large language models, or LLMs — systems built to respond to questions and produce human-like writing. In farming, however, AI reaches far beyond those kinds of chatbots.

Today, agricultural AI is being applied in areas including seed genetics, crop protection products, farm machinery, weather forecasting, and data analysis. Many companies in the ag industry believe AI can help farmers apply inputs more precisely, cut down on waste, and boost overall productivity. The catch? AI is only as good as the information it is given.

Kyle Courtney, co-founder of AgriData Co-op, put it plainly: “Everybody’s excited about AI in agriculture, but nobody wants to talk about what we’re feeding it. An algorithm doesn’t know good data from bad — it just trusts what it’s given. If the numbers coming off our planters and combines are sloppy or incomplete, the AI will hand us confident, well-formatted nonsense. On my own operation, I’ve learned the hard way that clean data going in is the whole game. Quality at the source isn’t a technical detail. It’s the foundation everything else stands on.”

Eric Muckenhirn, also a co-founder of AgriData Co-op, echoed that concern. He said the unglamorous first step to using AI on the farm is good data hygiene. “Mislabeled field boundaries, uncalibrated yield monitors, inconsistent variety records – decisions hinge on small margins, and a model trained on sloppy records will produce confident, wrong answers,” he said.

One of the most significant applications of AI in agriculture is in plant breeding and genetics. Researchers can now process enormous volumes of plant data at speeds that were not previously possible. Instead of spending years watching how certain traits play out in a field, scientists can use machine learning models to predict which plant combinations are likely to perform well under specific conditions.

For soybean growers, that means AI can help identify traits tied to drought tolerance, disease resistance, and yield potential — before a single trial plot is even planted.

Companies like Corteva Agriscience and Bayer are putting significant resources into AI-driven breeding programs. These systems can simultaneously analyze field results, weather patterns, soil conditions, and genetic data. The goal is to speed up the development of new seed products and help crops perform better across a variety of environments.

AI is also playing a role in advancing gene-editing tools such as CRISPR. Computer models help scientists predict where genetic edits are most likely to succeed while minimizing unintended changes. Some companies, including Inari Agriculture, are using AI to improve existing plant genetics without introducing foreign DNA — looking for ways to increase yields while reducing water and fertilizer use.

On the equipment side, AI is transforming how farm machinery operates. John Deere has made major investments in AI-powered tools and robotics. Its See & Spray technology uses cameras mounted on sprayers to scan fields in real time, distinguishing weeds from crops through computer vision. The system then applies herbicide only where weeds are detected, rather than across an entire field.

This kind of precision technology has the potential to reduce chemical use, lower operating costs, and lessen environmental impact. It also represents a broader shift in farming — moving from decisions made at the field level toward management at the individual plant level.

Modern planters and combines are also gathering huge amounts of data. Sensors monitor planting depth, soil moisture, population spacing, and yield figures. That information can be combined with weather data and satellite imagery to guide better decisions in future seasons.

Still, AI is not a cure-all.

Because AI learns from data, flawed or incomplete information can lead to flawed recommendations. Some AI systems are even known to produce incorrect outputs — a problem sometimes called “hallucinations.” That is why farmers are encouraged to keep relying on their own experience, trusted agronomic advice, and local knowledge alongside any AI tools they use.

Muckenhirn offered a cautionary note: “The failure mode I can see coming is farmers treating an AI model output (planting date, variable-rate seeding application, decision to spray or not to spray) as an oracle and switching off the intuition built over decades of knowledge of their fields. The right mentality: AI is a second opinion that’s only trustworthy once it’s been checked against what you already know works on your ground. A yield model that’s never been corrected against your actual combine data is a confident guess at best. Your job shifts from ‘decide everything’ to ‘audit the machine’s reasoning against your historical knowledge and context.’”

Data ownership and privacy are also growing concerns. As more equipment and software collect information from fields, farmers are increasingly asking who owns that data, how it is stored, and who can access it.

For soybean producers, AI will likely show up in gradual, practical ways before making any dramatic changes. It may come through seed selection recommendations, more targeted spraying, automated crop scouting, or improved weather forecasting. As with any emerging technology, those who adopt it earliest take on the greatest risk.

The bottom line is education. Farmers do not need to become technology experts to benefit from AI. But having a basic understanding of what these tools can and cannot do helps producers ask better questions and make smarter choices. Much like GPS guidance and precision planting before it, AI in agriculture will likely keep evolving.

For now, experts suggest treating AI as one more tool in the toolbox — valuable in certain situations, limited in others, and most effective when combined with solid management practices and real-world farming experience.

Key AI Terms for Farmers to Know:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computer systems that perform tasks normally requiring human thinking. Machine Learning (ML): AI that learns patterns from data and improves over time. Generative AI: AI that creates new content such as text, images, or code. Large Language Model (LLM): AI trained on large amounts of text to answer questions or write content. Predictive Analytics: Using data and models to forecast future outcomes. Deep Learning: Advanced AI that recognizes complex patterns in massive datasets. Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI that helps computers understand human language. Prompt: The question or instruction given to an AI system. Bias: Errors caused by incomplete or unbalanced data. Hallucination: When AI generates incorrect or misleading information.

This summer, a fresh group of college students will make their way to Washington, D.C., becoming the 10th class to go through the Valent and American Soybean Association (ASA) Ag Voices of the Future program. The initiative is built to introduce young people who have ties to farming or a passion for agriculture to the world of policy and advocacy, with the goal of steering them toward careers that could shape agricultural policy at the state or federal level — whether in government, trade associations, or agribusiness.

Jeffrey Smith, associate director of industry affairs for Valent, explained why the program matters. “Today, legislative and regulatory policymakers at the Federal and state levels are many generations removed from the farm,” he said. “We believe the best way to ensure farmers maintain access to innovative crop protection and yield-enhancing tools is to encourage young leaders with a practical understanding of ag production to consider policy careers based in Washington, D.C. Valent appreciates the opportunity to partner with ASA to identify, develop, and direct these future leaders to have a positive impact on the issues facing soybean farmers and the crop protection industry.”

Smith first came up with the idea for the program back in 2016, working alongside Michelle Hummel on the ASA Industry Relations team to turn the concept into reality. Every year, the program is carried out through a close partnership between the ASA and Valent teams.

Students selected for the program receive close to three full days of training, which includes educational sessions, meetings with government agencies, and visits to Capitol Hill alongside their state soybean organizations. The program runs at the same time as ASA’s summer board meeting, giving students added chances to network through ASA meeting events, a Capitol Hill reception, and a dinner with program graduates who are currently working in Washington.

ASA President Scott Metzger, a farmer from Williamsport, Ohio, stressed the value of the program. “It’s important that young people have an understanding of the significant policy issues that directly impact the productivity and economic well-being of our farms and the soybean industry,” he said. “ASA appreciates Valent’s support of this valuable program that helps cultivate future voices for agriculture.”

ASA works with Agriculture Future of America (AFA), a well-regarded professional development organization for college students pursuing agriculture careers, to promote the program and handle the application process. Students can express interest through the AFA scholarship application. Each year, hundreds of applicants compete for just 10 spots selected by ASA and Valent.

The program’s first full day kicks off with an introduction to ASA — covering the organization’s policy priorities and leadership development opportunities. Valent USA then walks students through pesticide policy and the regulatory steps involved in getting crop protection products registered and approved.

Training continues with a Capitol Hill 101 session that prepares students for their congressional visits, explaining how Capitol Hill is structured and what to expect when sitting down with lawmakers and their staff. Additional guest speakers often include current Hill staff and members of ASA’s Government Affairs team, who share what it’s actually like to live and work in Washington and hold a congressional staff position.

The program also features a writing workshop led by West Wing Writers, a firm whose team includes former White House senior staff and speechwriters. The workshop helps students sharpen their writing abilities and develop strategies for communicating in a clear and persuasive way.

Following the workshop, participants attend a briefing on key ASA policy issues during the Soy Issues Forum portion of the ASA Board of Directors meeting — preparation for joining farmer leaders from their home state soybean associations on Capitol Hill visits the next day.

On the program’s third and final day, students visit USDA headquarters to meet with officials from the Office of Pest Management Policy. They also sit down separately with a representative from EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, gaining a broader understanding of how federal agencies influence agricultural pesticide policy and regulation.

Past participants say they leave the program equipped with knowledge, professional connections, new friendships, and real-world experiences to help guide their career decisions. And the program isn’t all work — students also get to explore D.C.’s monuments, museums, and restaurants when the day’s sessions wrap up.

Before heading home, students are encouraged to set up a LinkedIn profile and join the private Ag Voices of the Future alumni group, which serves as a gateway to internships and entry-level positions with agricultural organizations, agribusiness companies, congressional offices, and government agencies. Those opportunities are shared by ASA and Valent staff, as well as alumni who stay involved in supporting the program.

The 2026 Ag Voices of the Future program is set for July 13–16 in Washington, D.C. More details are available in the Education section of SoyGrowers.com.

Program graduates have gone on to land internships and permanent roles that influence policy across a range of agriculture organizations and companies, as well as professional staff positions for members of Congress and within USDA’s Washington headquarters.

Allie Lock, now a professional staff member for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry under Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, called the program a turning point. “Participating in the Ag Voices of the Future program was a defining experience in my career path,” she said. “The experience showed me the importance of ensuring producers are actively engaged in the policymaking process and sparked my interest in helping bridge the gap between those working in agriculture and those shaping policy. Those perspectives ultimately helped influence my career and continue to guide my work today.”

Clayton Elbel, now a program analyst in the Office of Energy and Environmental Policy, Energy and New Uses, in the Office of the Chief Economist at USDA, said the program opened his eyes. “Ag Voices of the Future really opened my eyes to crop protection and pest management policy and how the American Soybean Association is working to make our agricultural industry stronger,” he said. “The program’s emphasis on regulatory affairs influenced my choice to work for the USDA. Plus, it connected me with other students who were passionate about agricultural policy, and we’re still in touch today, working together in Washington five years later.”

Maria Brockamp, now Senior Manager of Government Relations with the National Milk Producers Federation, said the program helped set her on her career path at a critical moment. “Participating in the Ag Voices of the Future program helped confirm that I was interested in a career in agriculture policy someday at a time where I was at a crossroads in life as I headed into my freshman year of college,” she said. “The foundational advocacy skills I gained from the program still serve my skillset to this day, but of course, the thing I appreciated most was the authentic connections I made with my fellow classmates, the ASA and Valent staff, and the soybean farmers from my state who I joined for Hill visits. I gained lifelong friends, colleagues, and mentors from this program. I highly recommend that any student interested in a career in agriculture policy apply!” Before joining the National Milk Producers Federation, Brockamp spent nearly 18 months working for ASA on the State and Industry Relations team.

Long before a single seed goes into the ground, farmers spend months mapping out their plans for the growing season. Running a successful farm demands a wide range of supplies and services — from fertilizer and seed to fuel, equipment, labor, land costs, and taxes. But right now, those costs are climbing fast while soybean prices are moving in the opposite direction.

Global tensions are making things worse. Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the global fertilizer market, pushing up prices for fertilizer and diesel fuel along with many other goods and services that farmers depend on every day.

Planning and Planting

With production costs more unpredictable than ever, many farmers have been forced to rethink what they plant this season. Illinois farmer and ASA Director Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, who works the land alongside her husband Eric, says those rising costs are influencing decisions on their operation.

“We stay pretty much to a 50/50 rotation between corn and beans,” she said. “It’s hard to predict what market prices may do, but those do factor into our final decision of how many acres of corn and beans we’ll plant. However, we generally don’t vary a great deal from a fairly balanced rotation.”

Even as some producers consider switching what they grow based on what things cost, Simpson-Dolbeare says the bottom line is what really drives the decision.

“The price of inputs comes into play, certainly, but the expected income and the relative value of the end result is what we focus on,” she said.

Rising Input Costs

The upward pressure on farm expenses has been building for several years now, touching nearly every category — fertilizer, equipment, seed, and fuel. ASA Economist Jacquie Holland explained the trajectory: “Input prices spiked in 2022 to 2023 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and pandemic supply chain issues. Prices came down but remained elevated above pre-pandemic levels leading up to the Iran War.”

One telling sign of how farmers are coping can be seen in their equipment purchases. ASA Chief Economist Scott Gerlt put it plainly: “In good years, farmers buy new equipment, and in bad years, they put it off. Farmers aren’t purchasing much new equipment right now. In the long run, they may start looking at their land. If they have rental agreements, they may have to renegotiate lower prices or let some leases go. Farmers will reevaluate their operation a lot more closely, seeing what is profitable and what isn’t. They can’t do anything speculative.”

Simpson-Dolbeare says her operation has responded by being more careful with maintenance. “We’ve always tried to keep our equipment in good working order, so with rising input costs, I think we are even more diligent about making sure we do necessary maintenance in caring for equipment,” she said.

Crude oil prices have added another layer of pressure. However, Gerlt noted there is a potential upside: “High crude oil prices have driven up all costs, but they have also pulled up soybean oil demand, which creates value. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Fertilizer and Countervailing Duties

Fertilizer costs have been a persistent concern in the soybean industry, but the situation has worsened significantly due to conflict involving Iran and restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Holland described the broader forces at work: “Global dynamics largely shape fertilizer prices both at home and abroad. Reductions and pauses in China’s phosphate export volumes has had a major impact on global pricing. Tariff barriers imposed by the U.S. in the form of countervailing duties and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs also added extra layers of costs to input pricing.”

Countervailing duties placed on Russia and Morocco — two of the world’s biggest phosphate exporters — have further tightened the fertilizer supply. Despite those duties, the U.S. has continued to import phosphates from Russia because supplies are so constrained. The American Soybean Association has been pushing for those countervailing duties to be eliminated, arguing that importers are simply passing those added costs along to farmers. Holland said removing the duties could bring “unencumbered access to available supplies reducing global scarcity and sending prices lower as a result, all other factors equal.”

Even if the underlying causes of the price surge were resolved today, it would still take months for costs to come down — and potentially years before farmers feel meaningful relief. In the meantime, Simpson-Dolbeare described the tough choices her farm has already made: “We reduced our fertility to nutrient removal level as a cost saving measure. Yet even with these measures, we still spent more on inputs than we typically have in the past. To sum it up, we applied, on average, 1/3 less and paid 50% more.”

The Need for Open Markets

The soybean export market has taken a major blow this year. China, the single largest buyer of U.S. soybeans, has cut its typical purchases in half. That drop in demand has left farmers struggling to generate enough revenue to cover their costs. A 10% tariff China placed on U.S. soybeans has compounded the damage, and many in the industry say policy changes are urgently needed.

Gerlt highlighted China’s outsized importance to the market: “China is by far the largest export concern because the tariff rate has gone up on U.S. soy. Historically, soy has had good market access to other countries. Over the next few years, what China does for U.S. beans will be a big driver for exports.”

Farmers have been speaking out, urging both the administration and Congress to pursue open export markets rather than imposing additional tariffs or simply offering financial assistance. Simpson-Dolbeare summed up the sentiment shared widely across the industry: “From our viewpoint, reducing tariffs will help us the most. Tariffs are hurting demand for U.S. soy, and tariffs are negatively impacting our input costs. Our greatest concern is how our long-term profitability is affected if tariffs stay in place. We don’t want ongoing aid, we want open trade markets.”

The American Soybean Association’s Executive Committee and board have echoed that message over the past year. While farm assistance programs are appreciated, the industry’s preference is to rely on open, competitive markets to keep operations viable. Tariffs have pushed potential soybean buyers toward other countries, adding even more strain on farmers already struggling with rising costs.

The ASA says it will continue advocating on behalf of farmers — pushing to eliminate countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports and working to educate policymakers in Washington, D.C., about how these input costs affect American agriculture.

State-level biofuel policies are quickly emerging as one of the most powerful forces shaping American agriculture, domestic energy, and efforts to reduce transportation emissions. Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs operating in California, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico — along with similar clean fuel initiatives taking shape elsewhere — are no longer just regional concerns. Together, they are reshaping national fuel markets and determining the long-term future of soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel, according to the American Soybean Association’s director of government affairs.

For soybean farmers, these developments bring both real opportunity and serious risk. Soybean oil has risen to become one of the most critical raw materials in biomass-based diesel production, valued for its scalability, domestic availability, and the well-established agricultural supply chain behind it. Biodiesel and renewable diesel produced from soybean oil deliver immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while working within existing engines, fuel systems, and infrastructure. Unlike many emerging clean energy technologies that are still years from widespread commercial use, soy-based biofuels are already cutting emissions in heavy-duty trucking, farming, rail, ports, and other sectors that are difficult to electrify.

State clean fuel programs have helped drive this growth by rewarding fuels based on how much they reduce carbon intensity compared to conventional petroleum. The greater the carbon reduction, the greater the financial incentive. Those market signals have spurred investment in renewable fuel production, soybean crushing capacity, and rural manufacturing across the country — all of which have strengthened domestic markets for soybean oil and created new long-term value for farmers.

However, the policy environment is growing more complicated. A major concern for the soybean industry centers on how indirect land use change — a concept used in lifecycle carbon modeling — is being treated within state clean fuel programs. Many of the assumptions built into these models are outdated and may not reflect modern agricultural realities, including improved crop yields, conservation practices, and advancements in sustainable U.S. soybean production.

Because of this, soy-based biofuels may end up with carbon intensity scores that don’t accurately capture what’s happening on farms today or the environmental benefits of domestic soybean production. If those outdated assumptions aren’t corrected, soybean oil could find itself at a competitive disadvantage compared to other feedstocks that receive more favorable carbon scores — even when those alternatives raise questions about imports, traceability, or inconsistent sustainability oversight.

Other concerns include restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, shifting sustainability certification requirements, and uneven global verification standards. Policies that inadvertently limit domestic crop-based feedstocks could hurt rural economies and push the country toward greater dependence on imported fuels or feedstocks with less transparent supply chains.

At the same time, states are beginning to look beyond traditional road transportation for biomass-based diesel opportunities. California ports and marine equipment operators are generating growing interest in low-carbon liquid fuels for commercial marine use. States like Michigan are also examining the role soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel could play in reducing emissions tied to maritime activity, freight movement, and industrial port operations.

These new markets matter because they represent near-term, scalable demand for low-carbon fuels that can function within infrastructure that already exists. For states pursuing meaningful emissions reductions without sacrificing operational reliability, soy-based biofuels offer a solution that’s ready to deploy right now.

In the end, state biofuel policy has grown into something much larger than an environmental debate. It is now an agricultural issue, an energy security issue, and a rural economic development issue. The policy choices being made today will shape soybean demand, fuel production investment, infrastructure growth, and farm income for generations to come.

Summer Ory always knew farming would be her path. Growing up on a cattle operation in southwest Missouri, she developed a deep connection to the land — one she still carries with her today.

“To this day my favorite place to be is outside,” she said.

After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in business and management, Ory married her husband Dan and transitioned into full-time farming. Together, the couple operates a five-generation farm in Earlham, Iowa, where they raise soybeans, corn, forage, and cover crops while also bringing up their three children. On top of their crop operation, the Orys run a Pioneer seed and chemical dealership and help Dan’s brother, Joe, manage a cattle herd and custom cut beef business.

It’s a packed schedule by any measure, but Ory said she genuinely thrives in the midst of it all. That same enthusiasm for hard work led her to take on a new challenge: soybean leadership and advocacy.

During 2024-2025, Ory took part in the Iowa Soybean Association’s Grassroots Fellowship, a year-long program designed to give young Iowa soybean farmers a closer look at government, the legislative process, and how to develop their leadership abilities.

“I learned about the importance of current policies and how future policies could positively or negatively affect our farm operations,” she said. The program also showed her how much happens to grain long after it leaves the farm gate.

When the fellowship wrapped up, Ory decided she was ready to take on director positions — one with the Iowa Soybean Association at the state level, and another with the American Soybean Association on the national stage. She believes younger farmers need to step up as veteran leaders move into retirement.

“Farming is both an honor and a privilege, and we want to do it well,” she said. “But the work extends beyond the farm. We must stay engaged with national associations to help shape policies that support long-term farm sustainability. If farms cannot remain successful, rural communities suffer too.”

With farmers dealing with increasingly difficult conditions — including extreme weather, higher input costs, tight profit margins, and restricted market access — Ory said strong leadership and solid partnerships with agricultural allies matter more than ever.

“I believe national directors should not only advocate effectively, but also communicate clearly, collaborate well, and keep the long-term future of agriculture at the center of every decision along with sustainability and profitability,” she said. “Without that trifecta, we face more opposition than success.”

Since joining the American Soybean Association’s board of directors, Ory has been active on multiple fronts — making visits to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and hosting a local roundtable alongside Farmers for Free Trade and her elected representatives. Each experience, she said, deepens her understanding of the soy supply chain, policy landscape, and what effective advocacy really looks like.

For anyone thinking about stepping into a soybean leadership role, Ory offers straightforward advice: don’t sell your personal story short, and make sure you’re listening just as much as you’re talking.

“Your on-farm experience matters. Be concise and solutions-oriented but clearly explain both the challenge and what action you’re asking for,” she said. “And remember that understanding legislators’ perspectives helps build productive conversations.”

She also cautions new leaders against trying to impress — and instead encourages them to focus on being real and well-informed.

“I’d encourage new leaders to ask questions, listen carefully, and build relationships early,” she said. “Advocacy is much more effective when it becomes an ongoing conversation rather than a single meeting. Advocacy is every day on and off the farm.”

For South Dakota farmer and state senator Brandon Wipf, the conversation around monarch butterfly conservation goes beyond protecting a single species. He sees voluntary conservation practices as a way to benefit the environment while also strengthening the financial health of farm operations.

Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 605, sponsored by Wipf, acknowledging the significance of monarch butterflies and promoting cooperative, voluntary conservation efforts statewide. Wipf represents District 22 in the South Dakota State Senate, farms soybeans and row crops near Huron, South Dakota, and serves as a director with the American Soybean Association.

The resolution comes at a critical time, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is weighing whether to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. When the resolution was being considered, Wipf stressed that any conservation work should remain voluntary and guided by local communities.

“Monarch butterflies are an important part of our natural heritage and our agricultural landscape,” Wipf said. “This resolution affirms that conservation efforts in South Dakota can and should be voluntary, locally driven, and respectful of private property rights and our state’s strong agricultural tradition.”

Because monarch butterflies depend entirely on milkweed plants for laying eggs and feeding larvae, access to that habitat is essential for the species to survive. The resolution calls on state agencies, local governments, and land managers to protect existing milkweed where feasible and to include pollinator-friendly native seed mixes in restoration and conservation planting projects when appropriate.

Wipf also connected the issue to farm economics, pointing out that low-producing acres can drag down a farm’s overall production history and reduce the revenue guarantees available through federal crop insurance programs.

“Every farm has them,” Wipf said. “The sandy ridge that burns up in July. The low spot that drowns in June. The salty patch that never keeps up.”

Rather than continuing to pour money into acres that rarely turn a profit, Wipf highlighted conservation programs and pollinator habitat as a smarter alternative. Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program can deliver steady conservation payments while cutting input costs on chronically underperforming ground. Meanwhile, perennial habitat plantings can improve soil health, limit erosion, retain moisture, and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

“At the same time, you’re building resilience,” Wipf said. “Pollinator habitat and other perennial covers improve soil structure. It reduces erosion. It helps hold moisture. It supports pollinators and wildlife.”

The resolution also calls on federal agencies — including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture — to work alongside producers and landowners by focusing on technical support, flexibility, and voluntary participation rather than imposing new regulatory requirements on the agricultural sector.

Wipf said the path forward depends on cooperation between farmers, landowners, and conservation partners working together toward shared goals.

“Through collaboration and voluntary efforts, our state’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners can support monarch conservation while maintaining the thriving, productive agricultural operations that are the backbone of South Dakota,” he said.

American soybean farmers are taking an active role in making it cheaper to move their crops from fields to customers — both at home and abroad. The strategy, described by leaders in the industry as “subtraction math,” focuses on reducing the cents-per-bushel cost of transportation at each stage of the supply chain, from farm trucks to ocean-going vessels.

The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), the American Soybean Association (ASA), and other soybean farmer groups argue that profitability in agriculture isn’t just about growing a good crop and finding buyers for it. The roads, bridges, railroads, waterways, and ports that connect farmers to their customers play an equally important role. Every dollar saved in moving soybeans is a dollar that can go back into the farmer’s pocket.

One ongoing effort to reduce transportation costs involves pushing for more efficient trucking. An amendment introduced by Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) was included in the BUILD America 250 Act — formally known as the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act — that would allow states to voluntarily participate in a pilot program permitting six-axle, 91,000-pound semis to travel on federal interstates. The ASA has long supported this type of heavier truck configuration as a way to move more grain per trip and reduce per-bushel hauling costs.

Rising diesel fuel prices have added further financial pressure on farmers. According to the STC, a farmer working 1,000 acres — split evenly between soybeans and corn — who hauls grain 40 miles to a delivery point is now paying $2,000 more per year in fuel costs alone. A grain elevator handling six million bushels annually with a similar haul distance faces nearly $100,000 in additional fuel expenses each year. These figures underscore how fuel prices ripple through the entire agricultural economy.

Soybean farmer leaders also made a direct investment in port infrastructure to help expand export capacity. On March 31, 2026, those leaders traveled to Milwaukee to present a ceremonial check for $200,000 toward pre-engineering, design, research, and analysis work tied to the Phase II expansion of the Agriculture Maritime Export Facility at Port Milwaukee. The facility, owned and operated by The DeLong Company, first opened in 2023. The Phase II expansion — which increased the port’s ability to ship U.S. soybeans and soybean meal to international buyers — was completed on April 2, 2026.

The ASA and other farmer groups also backed the facility’s application for federal funding through the U.S. Maritime Administration. That support paid off: the Phase II project received a $9.3 million grant through the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Industry leaders say investments like this help build a more resilient and diversified export network for American soybeans.

A similar effort took shape on the West Coast. AGP, an Omaha-based cooperative that owns and operates 11 soybean processing plants in the Midwest, announced in March 2022 a major expansion of its export terminal at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington. The project added storage at AGP’s Terminal 2 and a new ship loader at Terminal 4, boosting the terminal’s annual soybean meal export capacity from 3 million to more than 6 million metric tons.

Soybean farmer leaders contributed $1.3 million toward pre-engineering, design, and site development costs for the Port of Grays Harbor Terminal 4 expansion. They also supported the port’s application for federal assistance, which resulted in a $25.5 million PIDP grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Industry leaders say that while U.S. soybeans are widely regarded as the highest-quality and most dependable supply in the global market, staying competitive ultimately comes down to cost — not just what it takes to grow the crop, but what it takes to deliver it. By working to trim transportation expenses at every point in the supply chain, the STC, ASA, and allied organizations say they are giving American soybean farmers a stronger footing in an increasingly unpredictable marketplace.

A program run by the American Soybean Association is helping businesses in developing and emerging markets around the world become more attractive to investors — and in doing so, building a stronger global customer base for U.S. soybean farmers.

The World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, known as WISHH, works alongside business partners across the supply chain — from feed mills and fisheries companies to food processors and crushers — to help them secure the financing they need to grow. For many of these businesses, landing an investment is a critical first step toward becoming reliable, long-term buyers of U.S. soybeans.

WISHH connects entrepreneurs and business leaders with financial experts and investment advisors who teach them what lenders and investors expect, how to present their businesses effectively, and how to build growth strategies that attract outside funding. The goal is to create financially sound, resilient companies capable of sustaining demand for U.S. soy over the long haul.

In Cambodia, WISHH teamed up with advisory firm LixCap to deliver training aimed at improving access to financing for aquaculture businesses. Participants gained hands-on skills in financial management, business planning, and communicating growth potential to prospective partners. WISHH is also continuing broader efforts to strengthen aquaculture supply chains in the region that can increasingly depend on U.S. soy.

A similar approach is being applied across programs in Africa, where growing poultry, aquaculture, livestock, and food-processing industries are creating new demand for working capital and expansion financing. WISHH’s financial readiness training helps partners learn how to work with lending institutions, put together investment pitches, and manage cash flow. Some of these partners have already purchased U.S. soy, and the training helps them develop solid growth plans that can hold up under market pressures. Feed mills, producers, technical advisers, and crushers are also included in the training sessions, and many of the partners attend buyers’ conferences alongside WISHH.

WISHH Executive Director Gena Perry noted that U.S. soybean growers who support the program often play a direct role in its outcomes.

“We have had WISHH committee members speak directly to some of our partners over the years. Regardless of the sector and country, farmers on both sides understand the value of the dollar and the large undertaking of investment,” Perry said. “That’s why U.S. growers have spoken directly to our partners about their own on-farm management and the importance of smartly scaling-up businesses.”

The underlying logic is straightforward: a business that successfully secures financing can buy more feed ingredients, expand its production capacity, and serve a larger customer base. As those businesses grow, their need for protein-rich soy tends to grow right along with them.

The aroma alone from a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea can be enough to melt away stress — and that experience becomes even more rewarding when the herbs came straight from your own garden.

Herbal teas are not the same as traditional teas like black or green varieties, which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas can be brewed using either freshly picked or dried herbs, and whether served hot or iced, they offer a calming, satisfying ritual.

Most herbs thrive in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, though a little afternoon shade is helpful in warmer climates. They do well in containers, raised beds, or garden plots with soil that drains properly. While fertilizer is generally not required, mixing a good amount of compost into the soil before planting will help keep herbs healthy through the growing season.

When planting from seed outdoors, follow the spacing instructions on the seed packet. If the seeds are extremely small — like those of mint varieties — blend them with a little sand before scattering them over the soil. Once seedlings reach about 2 inches in height, thin them out to achieve the proper spacing. Check the “days to maturity” information on the seed packet or plant tag, and keep in mind that seeds are best started in spring. Starter plants purchased later in the season can still be planted, provided there’s enough time before the first frost for them to reach maturity.

Keep the soil lightly moist while plants get established, then shift to watering only when the soil feels dry.

Here are some excellent herbs to consider for your tea garden:

German chamomile: This annual plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that are as pretty in the garden as they are useful in a teacup. Chamomile brews into a gentle, delicate tea that goes beautifully with a touch of honey. Begin applying a flower-boosting fertilizer — such as a 5-10-5 formula — one month after planting, following the package instructions.

Mints: The options are plentiful and delicious, including peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, lime mint, and apple mint. All mint varieties are perennials that are hardy in zones 3 through 9, but they spread aggressively. It’s strongly recommended to grow them in pots rather than directly in the ground, unless you don’t mind them taking over a large area.

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum): This perennial is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in flower beds and is hardy in zones 3 through 8 or 9. Its highly fragrant leaves produce a tea with a pleasant licorice-like taste. While it is related to mint, it tends to stay in a more compact, mounded shape and doesn’t spread as aggressively. When growing for tea purposes, be sure to plant the straight species — foeniculum — since other varieties of anise hyssop may have different and less desirable flavors.

Lemon balm: Another relative of mint, lemon balm is a perennial hardy in zones 4 through 8. It should be contained to prevent it from spreading too widely. Its mild lemon flavor makes for a refreshing and gentle tea.

Lemon verbena: This perennial shrub is hardy in zones 8 through 11 and grows best in partial shade. It requires more feeding than most herbs, so apply a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. It delivers a stronger, more pronounced lemon flavor compared to lemon balm.

The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning, shortly after the dew has evaporated, when the plants’ essential oils are at their peak concentration. Rinse the harvested herbs thoroughly and pat them dry before use.

To brew a fresh cup, heat water to just under boiling and pour 8 ounces over 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs in a cup. Cover the cup and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain. Add a sweetener or mix in other herbs as you like.

To preserve herbs for later use, spread them out on a screen or bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a spot that is well-ventilated, dark, and dry. Once they become completely dry and crunchy, remove the leaves or flowers from the stems and store them in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark location such as a kitchen cabinet. Properly stored dried herbs will hold their flavor and fragrance for approximately two years.

Because drying intensifies the flavor of herbs, you’ll need a smaller quantity and shorter steeping time when using dried herbs. Start with just 1 teaspoon and steep for about 5 minutes, then adjust to your taste from there.

DELMARVA — Severe storms swept across the Delmarva Peninsula overnight, leaving farmers from the Eastern Shore to Sussex County conducting damage assessments Tuesday morning. The mid-shore region of Maryland bore the worst of the system, with tornado warnings issued for Dorchester, Caroline, Talbot, and Sussex Counties. No tornadoes were confirmed on the ground.

Multiple power outages remain in effect, with the heaviest losses centered in Caroline County. Along the Route 13 and Route 113 corridors in Delaware, communities including Bridgeville, Ellendale, the Redden area, Felton, and Harrington all reported downed trees, utility poles, and power lines.

Markets

Grain futures closed lower Monday. July corn settled at $4.11½/bu, down 6 cents. July soybeans finished at $11.15¾/bu, off 7 cents. July Chicago wheat ended at $5.97½/bu, falling 8¼ cents.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn for July delivery is bringing $4.59/bu, and soybeans for July delivery are at $10.63/bu.

Policy

In Washington, lawmakers are pushing a farm bill draft through their final week before a 10-day recess. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is in India this week for bilateral trade talks.

Forecast

Tuesday calls for showers and thunderstorms with a high of 78°F and northwest winds of 5–15 mph. Field work will be limited. Wednesday turns sunny and drier with a high of 85°F, offering a good recovery window for producers.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 23, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Delaware officials announced an expansion of the state’s deer crop damage assistance program Monday, responding to growing crop losses reported across the agricultural community this season. The expanded program gives growers more options to protect their fields and bottom lines.

Markets

Grain futures closed mostly lower Monday. July corn settled at $4.11½, down 6 cents. July soybeans finished at $11.15¾, down 7 cents. July Chicago wheat ended at $5.97½, off 8¼ cents.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, December corn bids are at $4.55/bu, and November soybeans are bringing $10.92.

Livestock markets were mixed. August live cattle gained 72 cents to close at $247.35. August feeder cattle rose $3.82 to settle at $370.42. July lean hogs slipped 37 cents to $94.65.

The USDA reported Monday that national egg production rose 5% in May compared to a year ago. Broiler chick hatches were up 3%, while egg-type chick hatches dipped 1%.

Forecast

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect through 9 p.m. tonight, and a Flood Watch runs through Tuesday morning. Monday’s high reached near 92°F. Tuesday brings showers and thunderstorms likely, with a high around 81°F.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 22, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Two Maryland state agencies are teaming up to address a black fly problem along the Potomac River, with a treatment operation planned for later this week.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture, working alongside the Department of Natural Resources, has announced plans to apply treatment to a designated stretch of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

The treatment is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with the operation set to begin at 8:00 a.m. The effort is aimed at reducing and controlling black fly populations in that part of the river.

Millions of honeybees flooded a rural neighborhood in Texas on Sunday after a semitrailer transporting approximately 400 hives overturned, according to emergency officials.

Authorities in Orange County, Texas — a county situated east of Houston along the Louisiana border — closed off roads near the crash site and urged residents to remain inside their homes while workers unloaded the truck and attempted to rescue as many hives as they could.

No bee stings or serious injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Officials have not yet identified who owns the hives.

Christie Ray, owner of the nearby Queen Bee Supply, said volunteers from three or four beekeeping operations in the surrounding area showed up at the crash scene to lend a hand.

“They just help each other, that’s what they do,” Ray said. “The beekeeping community is a great community.”

Chris Moore, who runs Moore Honey, arrived at the scene alongside his son and several of his workers to assist with the recovery effort. However, Moore estimated that only roughly one out of every four of the 408 hives will make it — an outcome that largely hinges on how many queen bees survived the crash.

Moore noted that the financial blow to a beekeeping business depends on its overall size, but the losses go beyond just the hives themselves — the owner is also losing the income those hives would have generated.

“It’s a big loss,” Moore said. “Any time you lose that many in one shot, it’s a big loss.”

Large-scale beekeeping operations routinely transport hives across the country, Moore explained, both to support commercial crop pollination in states like California and to follow blooming seasons through the South and Midwest for honey production.

The hives involved in Sunday’s crash had barely begun their journey — headed for North Dakota — when the truck driver made a wrong turn and ended up on narrow residential roads, Moore said. The trailer toppled over as the driver attempted to navigate a tight corner.

Other beekeepers in the area have set out catch boxes to gather stray bees, but Moore said it will likely be some time before the insects fully disperse from the neighborhood.

This is not the first such incident in recent months. Back in April, a truck loaded with bees was involved in a crash that backed up interstate traffic near Knoxville, Tennessee.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, known as NASS, has released its latest crop progress and condition estimates.

The report, published by NASS, offers a snapshot of how crops are faring across the nation. These weekly updates are a key resource for farmers, agricultural analysts, and others who follow the growing season closely.

Crop progress and condition reports are issued regularly throughout the growing season to help track developments in the field.

The most recent government report on the nation’s poultry industry shows egg production rose 5 percent in May compared to the same period last year.

At the same time, hatchery figures showed a split trend. The number of egg-type chicks hatched fell by 1 percent, while broiler-type chicks — the kind raised for meat — were up 3 percent during the same reporting period.

The data was released by federal agriculture officials as part of their ongoing tracking of the U.S. poultry and egg sector.

Dairy farmers across the country saw a notable increase in milk output last month, according to new federal data.

Milk production in the 24 major dairy-producing states reached 19.8 billion pounds in May, marking a 2.4 percent increase compared to May of 2025.

The figures highlight steady momentum in the national dairy industry heading into the summer months.

Two of Virginia’s most beloved agricultural traditions are finding common ground in a sweet and spirited collaboration, as local honey producers and bourbon craftspeople join forces to create something truly unique.

The partnership brings together the world of beekeeping and barrel-aged spirits, with Virginia honey playing a central role in the bourbon-making process. The result is a product that reflects the rich agricultural landscape of the region.

This growing trend highlights how farmers and artisan producers across Virginia are looking for innovative ways to add value to their goods and connect with consumers who appreciate locally crafted products.

The collaboration between hive and barrel represents a broader movement in Virginia agriculture, where traditional farming practices are being reimagined through creative partnerships and craft production.

Joanne Jones of Appomattox, Virginia, has built a reputation that extends well beyond her own fields. As both a working farmer and a resource leader, she has dedicated herself to helping others navigate the challenges that come with agricultural life.

Jones’s efforts in her community demonstrate how individual farmers can take on larger roles to support and guide those around them. Her work serves as an example of the kind of grassroots leadership that strengthens rural farming communities.

A video profile highlighting Jones and her contributions has been shared by the Virginia Farm Bureau, offering a closer look at the impact she has made in Appomattox and the broader farming community she serves.

DELMARVA — A Flood Watch is in effect for the region through 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. Conditions are favorable for flooding to develop, and producers are advised to keep livestock away from streams and drainage ditches and avoid parking equipment in low-lying areas.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight, and field work should be planned accordingly.

Forecast

Monday’s high will reach 89°F with southeast winds and a slight chance of afternoon storms. Tuesday’s high drops to 81°F with a chance of showers.

Biosecurity

An Australian poultry giant has locked down all of its Western Australian farming and processing operations after the country confirmed its 2nd H5N1 case. 2 wild seabirds tested positive, marking the first confirmed H5N1 detections on the Australian mainland. No commercial poultry have tested positive, but the company is seeking a housing order to move free-range birds indoors as a precaution. The development underscores continued global biosecurity pressure on the poultry sector, and Delmarva producers are encouraged to stay vigilant with flock monitoring.

Livestock

Experts are urging livestock producers to get ahead of heat stress now, with peak grazing season underway. Proactive management of heat exposure protects both animal welfare and productivity. Producers are advised not to wait for animals to show visible signs of distress before taking action.

On pasture fertility, midseason NPK management is critical as heat climbs and grazing pressure mounts. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels require replenishment to keep forage recovery on track.

Markets

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, December corn is priced at $4.58/bu. November soybeans are at $10.98/bu.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 22, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

A major Australian poultry producer has placed all of its Western Australian farming and processing operations under a full lockdown after the country confirmed its second case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu.

The second case was identified in Esperance, Western Australia, where a northern giant petrel — a migratory seabird — tested positive for the virus after being found on a remote beach. That discovery came just days after a brown skua bird tested positive on Saturday. Together, these represent the first confirmed H5N1 cases ever recorded on the Australian mainland.

The Australian government has pledged to take action to contain the spread of the virus.

The affected company’s breeder farms and grower networks are situated in the Muchea, Gingin, and Mogumber areas, located north of Perth — approximately 690 to 770 kilometres away from Esperance, where the infected birds were found.

As of now, no cases of bird flu have been detected among the company’s commercial poultry, and the business continues to distribute products to the Australian market. The company has described its current posture as a “heightened state of biosecurity vigilance” aimed at reducing any potential risk.

Additionally, the company is requesting a housing order from Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer that would allow its free-range poultry in Western Australia to be moved indoors as a precautionary measure.

The news hit the company’s stock hard, with shares falling as much as 13.8% to A$1.810 — their steepest single-session drop since February 20 and their lowest level in over a month.

Australia’s agriculture minister, Julie Collins, announced Monday that testing has confirmed a second case of H5 bird flu in Western Australia.

Federal agriculture officials announced Sunday that the United States now has 15 confirmed cases of New World screwworm after three more animals in Texas tested positive for the dangerous pest.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture shared the update on social media platform X, coming roughly three weeks after the first domestic screwworm infestation in 60 years was discovered in a Texas calf.

New World screwworm poses a serious threat to a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including farm livestock, household pets, and wildlife. In rare instances, the pest can also affect humans. The fly’s larvae burrow into the living tissue of a host animal, creating severe wounds that can prove fatal. Beyond the threat to animal welfare, infestations also carry the potential for major economic damage to the agriculture industry.

DELMARVA — The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report shows steep declines in two key measures, with a University of Tennessee agricultural economist calling the numbers a clear reflection of tough conditions facing cattle producers nationwide.

Charley Martinez, agricultural economist at the University of Tennessee, says placements during May were down 10% compared to 2025. Marketings of fed cattle came in 12% below last year — the second lowest May total on record.

Policy

Virginia has written agrivoltaics into law, making it official that solar energy and farming can coexist on the same land. Governor Spanberger signed the legislation Tuesday at a working demonstration farm in Warrenton.

Under the new law, a project must prioritize farm productivity, keep agricultural products moving to market throughout the life of the solar array, and operate as part of an existing farm business. Supporters say the legal definition protects against greenwash projects that use a few goats to claim agricultural status.

Markets

Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is at $4.59/bu for December delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are fetching $10.93/bu on the November contract.

Forecast

This evening stays mostly sunny with highs near 85°F and westerly winds around 20 mph. Tonight drops to the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Sunday brings full sunshine and highs near 87°F — a solid day for field work across Delmarva. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in Monday.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Tuesday formally defining agrivoltaics — the practice of running solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same piece of land simultaneously. The signing took place at a working agrivoltaics demonstration farm in Warrenton.

Under the new law, qualifying projects must prioritize farm productivity, allow crops or livestock to be sold throughout the life of the solar array, and operate as part of an existing farm business. Supporters say clear definitions protect the concept from being used as a greenwash for projects with only token agricultural activity.

Cattle Markets

The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report showed steep year-over-year declines. A University of Tennessee agricultural economist says May placements dropped 10% from 2025, and marketings of fed cattle came in 12% below last year — the second lowest May total on record.

On cash cattle, live deals wrapped up the week at $256 per hundredweight, roughly a dollar above the prior week’s weighted average. Dressed cattle in Nebraska traded at $405, steady with the week before. Cash hog prices finished sharply lower to close the week.

Markets

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn for July delivery is bidding $4.63/bu. November soybeans are at $10.93/bu.

Forecast

Saturday brings sunshine and a high of 85°F with westerly winds of 10-15 mph — good fieldwork conditions. Sunday stays sunny with a high of 87°F.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

SYDNEY — Australian officials have confirmed the country’s first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu, discovered in a remote corner of the nation’s southwest, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced Saturday.

Collins stated that laboratory testing verified the presence of the virus in a bird that was discovered on a beach located roughly 700 kilometers — about 430 miles — southeast of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia state.

Officials had announced Friday that the bird in question, a migratory seabird called a brown skua, was found within Cape Le Grand National Park and had initially tested positive for avian influenza, with full confirmation still pending at that time.

In anticipation of H5N1’s potential spread to Australian shores, the country had already implemented a series of precautionary measures, including strengthening biosecurity protocols at farms, conducting disease testing on shorebirds, vaccinating at-risk species, and running practice drills to rehearse outbreak response strategies.

DELMARVA — The Department of Homeland Security has issued a memo clarifying that dairy farms may be eligible to bring in H-2A guest workers, as long as specific duties qualify as temporary or seasonal. The guidance, released Wednesday, notes that federal law already includes dairying in its definition of agricultural labor covered by H-2A.

Under the new guidance, the key test is not the type of work performed but whether the position itself is genuinely temporary or seasonal. The memo also states that consecutive petitions are permitted if duties differ meaningfully between periods.

Cattle Markets

USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report shows steep declines across key metrics. University of Tennessee agricultural economist Charley Martinez noted that May placements were down 10% compared to 2025, and marketings of fed cattle came in 12% below last year — the second lowest May total on record.

Markets

At Thursday’s close, July corn settled at $4.17½/bu, down 3½ cents. July soybeans fell 9¼ cents to close at $11.22¾/bu. July Chicago wheat dropped 7 cents to $6.05¾/bu.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, December corn is bid at $4.59/bu and November soybeans at $10.93/bu.

Forecast

Skies are partly sunny Friday with a high of 83°F. Saturday brings sunshine and a high of 84°F, favorable conditions for fieldwork.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 19, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Dairy farms may be eligible to bring in guest workers through the H-2A visa program — as long as they can show the work in question is temporary or seasonal, according to guidance released June 17 by the Department of Homeland Security and the Labor Department.

A DHS policy memo clarifies that while caring for dairy cows is generally a year-round responsibility, there are specific duties within dairy operations that are temporary or seasonal by nature, making those positions potentially eligible for H-2A workers.

The memo points out that federal law already includes dairying in its definition of “agricultural labor or services” that H-2A workers are permitted to perform, indicating that Congress considered the dairy industry eligible for the program. The key factor in determining eligibility, the document explains, is not the type of agricultural work being done, but whether the position itself is genuinely temporary or seasonal.

Under current regulations, dairy employers seeking H-2A workers would need to demonstrate that the employment need would typically last no more than one year, or that it is tied to a specific time of year based on a recurring event or pattern.

The memo also addresses the possibility of consecutive H-2A petitions. DHS says dairy employers may file back-to-back petitions — for the same workers or different ones — for subsequent jobs, but only if they can show either that the duties are meaningfully different from the previous position, or that the work is tied to a distinct, subsequent season.

As an example, the memo describes a dairy owner with separate breeding and calving seasons who files individual H-2A petitions for dairy herdsmen for each of those periods.

Petitions may also be approved when an employer can show that workers’ responsibilities differ between spring and summer versus fall and winter — even if certain tasks, such as milking, remain constant throughout the year.

However, the memo warns that requesting H-2A workers for the same position with the same duties over a continuous period, without a meaningful break, would suggest a permanent ongoing need rather than a temporary one — and would generally result in the petition being denied.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for issuing the guidance and expanding access to the H-2A program for dairy producers, while also calling for a more lasting legislative solution to address farm labor needs.

FORMOSO DO ARAGUAIA, Brazil (AP) — A remarkable dispute over livestock and land conservation is unfolding on a massive island in northern Brazil, raising difficult questions about the rights of Indigenous communities and the pressures of the cattle industry.

Last year, federal authorities ordered all cattle herds removed from Bananal Island — the world’s largest river island — which is designated as protected Indigenous territory. Officials argued that the ranchers keeping livestock there were operating illegally and that the herds were causing environmental damage to the land.

When river levels dropped low enough, wranglers moved more than 100,000 head of cattle off the island. But the removal has triggered fresh hardships for Indigenous residents who had grown dependent on income earned by leasing their land to outside ranchers.

The situation puts a spotlight on the difficult task of balancing environmental conservation, the needs of Indigenous communities, and the enormous influence of Brazil’s agribusiness sector. Brazil leads the world in beef production, responsible for roughly 20% of global output and about 6% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Preserving Indigenous territories is broadly regarded as one of the most powerful tools for slowing deforestation in the Amazon, the planet’s largest rainforest and a critical stabilizer of the world’s climate.

While Brazil has made strides in cutting deforestation rates, cattle ranching continues to be the primary cause. Ranchers routinely clear large areas of forest to create grazing land for their herds.

Tocantins state, where Bananal Island is located, was among the Brazilian states with the highest deforestation levels in 2025, according to MapBiomas, a nonprofit organization that monitors land use. As trees that absorb pollution are replaced by cattle that release methane — a greenhouse gas — biodiversity suffers and global warming accelerates.

Under Brazilian law, commercial activity on Indigenous lands is prohibited. Cattle raising is only permitted for subsistence purposes.

In reality, however, portions of Bananal Island had been leased to ranchers for decades. Through an informal arrangement, ranchers paid village leaders a monthly fee of about 15 reais — roughly $3 — per animal, well below the approximately 60 reais ($12) charged for land outside the island.

When more than 100,000 cattle were present on the island, monthly lease payments could total as much as 1.5 million reais, or about $290,000. Chiefs received those payments and distributed a portion to local associations.

DELMARVA — Grain and livestock futures closed mostly lower Thursday as markets wrapped up ahead of the long Juneteenth weekend, with profit-taking weighing on soybean and wheat contracts.

Markets

July soybeans settled at $11.22¾/bu, pressured by profit-taking. July corn fell $0.03½ to close at $4.17½/bu. July Chicago wheat dropped $0.07 to finish at $6.05¾/bu.

In livestock, August live cattle fell $2.22 to close at $246.62. August feeder cattle slipped $0.82 to $366.60. July lean hogs bucked the trend, finishing up $0.37 at $95.02.

The USDA announced 2 flash sales Thursday — 1 to China and 1 to an undisclosed buyer — both under the 2026/2027 marketing year, offering some underlying market support.

Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel is bringing $4.63/bu for July delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are at $10.63/bu for July.

Livestock Health

With warm weather across Delmarva, veterinarians are flagging summer pneumonia as a real risk for young nursing calves. Producers are urged to monitor herds closely and not be misled by otherwise pleasant conditions.

Forecast

Friday’s high will reach 83°F with a chance of morning rain showers, followed by mostly cloudy skies. Tonight’s low drops to 64°F with clearing conditions. Saturday looks sunny and dry with another high of 83°F, offering favorable conditions for field work.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 19, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

A super El Niño is expected to shake up global weather patterns and put pressure on food production worldwide, but near-record grain stockpiles, favorable conditions in some major growing regions, and proactive planning may help reduce the damage.

El Niño typically brings heat and dry conditions to much of Asia while delivering heavy rainfall to the Americas. Meteorologists warn the current event is expected to intensify, potentially rivaling past record occurrences that wiped out crops, sparked social unrest, and caused tens of billions of dollars in economic losses globally.

Shirley Mustafa, an economist with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, offered some cautious optimism: “There is a bit of silver lining as far as global stocks and recent harvests of rice and other cereals is concerned,” she said, noting that world inventories are positioned to absorb some of the blow.

The last super El Niño, which struck in 2015–16, brought droughts, floods, and record-breaking temperatures that disrupted farming from Asia to Africa. The one before that, in 1997–98, triggered devastating floods, wildfires, and widespread crop failures.

However, the 2026/27 event may play out differently. Back-to-back years of record harvests have built up global food reserves, particularly in major consuming and exporting nations.

According to USDA data, global wheat stockpiles are projected to hit 279.95 million metric tons at the start of the crop year on July 1 — the highest level in five years.

Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, is currently bringing in a bumper crop, along with other major producers in the Northern Hemisphere. Some concern remains over the U.S. wheat harvest, which has been hurt by drought conditions.

A trader based in Singapore said wheat buyers in importing countries aren’t alarmed at this point. “Wheat millers in importing countries are not worried about supplies at this stage,” the trader said. “There are no issues with supplies over the next four to six months, given the Black Sea harvest.”

Global milled rice reserves hit an all-time high of 196.16 million tons at the start of 2026. India, which is responsible for roughly 40% of global rice exports, is holding stocks at approximately five times its government’s target.

A New Delhi-based dealer with a global trading firm, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak with media, pointed to India’s history of restricting exports during previous El Niño years when production came under strain. “But with record wheat and rice inventories this year, the government is unlikely to restrict rice exports,” the dealer added.

Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest rice importers, is also sitting on a record stockpile. Farmers there are rushing to plant rice early in hopes of getting ahead of any El Niño disruption, officials said.

Sutarto Alimoeso, head of Indonesia’s Rice Millers and Rice Entrepreneurs Association, said the country’s ability to weather the storm will hinge on how well it prepares, including upgrades to irrigation and water pump infrastructure.

In Thailand, the world’s third-largest rice exporter, reservoir levels are at their highest point in a decade — a development analysts say should benefit newly planted crops.

On the corn and soybean front, the USDA projects global corn inventories will reach 303.4 million tons by September 1, the highest in three years. Soybean stockpiles are forecast at 125.5 million tons, just shy of last year’s record of 126 million tons.

Tobin Gorey, founder of commodities consultancy Cornucopia in Sydney, said the current supply situation changes how markets are reacting. “A strong El Niño forecast would have had a different impact on prices if the world supply was tight,” he said.

Commodity prices reflected the ample supply picture this week, with Chicago corn falling to a nine-month low, soybeans sliding to a four-month low, and wheat hitting its weakest point in two months, driven by favorable U.S. weather and softer oil prices.

While Australia, Southeast Asia, and India face the greatest risks from El Niño, China, the Black Sea region, and Europe are expected to see less severe weather impacts. A research paper published by Britain’s parliament this week noted that “the European weather system is geographically far away from El Niño, and although there are sometimes links between El Niño conditions and European weather patterns, these can be hard to predict.”

In Indonesia and Malaysia — the world’s top palm oil producers — most areas are still receiving rainfall. Gulat Manurung, chairman of Indonesia’s smallholders group APKASINDO, said conditions remain generally suitable for palm oil growth, though the frequency of rain has decreased. “Looking broadly across Kalimantan and Sumatra, sunshine is still accompanied by rainfall, with conditions remaining suitable for palm oil growth,” he said.

Analysts also noted that newer palm oil tree varieties planted in recent years are more resistant to drought, and that the trees have gradually adapted to higher temperatures since the 1997–98 El Niño event.

Despite the relatively comfortable supply picture, experts caution that panic-driven government reactions and export restrictions could still tighten grain availability for buyers worldwide.

FAO’s Mustafa warned that history has shown how quickly governments can move to protect domestic supplies. “We have seen it in the past how governments react to supply risks and take measures to ensure sufficient local supplies,” she said. “Much of that will depend how importers take decisions on purchases and exporters keep the supply pipeline running.”

DELMARVA — Grain futures closed lower across the board Thursday, with a newly signed U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding drawing part of the blame for the market downturn.

Frayne Olson, ag economist with North Dakota State University Extension, says the peace deal is generating real frustration among farmers as grain prices dropped in its wake. Olson notes futures are tied to broader economic forces, and shifting input costs are adding another layer of uncertainty.

There is a silver lining on soybeans, however. China has returned as a buyer of U.S. farm commodities, according to Tommy Grisafi of Ag Bull Trading. Grisafi says recent tariff reductions have made American grains significantly more appealing to Chinese buyers, and soybean demand is picking up.

Markets

At Thursday’s close, July corn settled at $4.17½, down 3½ cents. July soybeans fell 9¼ cents to close at $11.22¾. July Chicago wheat dropped 7 cents to $6.05¾.

In livestock, August live cattle declined $2.22 to $246.62. July lean hogs bucked the trend, finishing up 37 cents at $95.02.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, December corn is bringing $4.59 per bushel, and November soybeans are at $10.93.

Forecast

Thursday evening stays warm following a high of 93°F under mostly sunny skies. Overnight lows will drop to 70°F with mostly cloudy conditions. On Friday, Juneteenth, a chance of rain showers is expected with a high of 80°F. Producers should plan field work accordingly.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The number of cattle currently on feed across the United States has climbed 2 percent, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The agency’s cattle on feed report tracks the number of livestock being held in feedlots and similar operations as they are prepared for market. A rise in cattle on feed numbers can reflect shifts in production trends within the beef industry.

The USDA regularly releases this data as part of its ongoing effort to monitor agricultural conditions and supply levels nationwide.

Farmers selling peanuts saw a modest bump in prices during the most recent reporting period, according to the latest figures released by the federal government.

For the week ending June 13, the average price received by farmers for all farmer stock peanuts came in at 22.5 cents per pound. That marks an increase of 0.5 cent compared to the prior week.

The United States is sitting on a smaller supply of potatoes compared to this time last year, according to newly released figures from the federal government.

Data published by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that potato stocks have declined 2 percent as of June 1, 2025, when measured against the same point in the previous year.

The report tracks how much of the potato supply remains in storage, a key indicator for both agricultural producers and the broader food supply chain. A drop in stored stocks can influence prices and availability for consumers and food processors alike.

Officials and industry observers will be watching future reports closely to see whether the downward trend continues through the remainder of the growing and harvest season.

The recent detection of the New World screwworm in the United States has raised eyebrows among agriculture officials, but experts say residents in Virginia have little reason to worry.

Known scientifically as Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm is a parasitic fly capable of infesting livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally birds. Since early June, twelve confirmed cases involving domestic animals have been reported across Texas and New Mexico.

Despite the detections, the chance of the screwworm reaching Virginia in the near future is “essentially zero,” according to John Currin, DVM, a clinical associate professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. “And long term, still incredibly close to zero,” he added.

The fly is typically found in South America and the Caribbean, but has been gradually moving northward through Central America since 2023. The insect is drawn to wounds and body openings, where it deposits eggs that develop into maggots. Those larvae then feed on living tissue, causing severe and potentially fatal injuries to the animals they infect.

Currin cautioned that the number of confirmed U.S. cases is likely just a fraction of the actual total. “We should not be surprised when a lot more U.S. cases are identified,” he said. “There’s more out there than what’s been reported. And it’s hard to monitor in wildlife.”

For now, only those transporting animals to or from Texas are being urged to exercise caution. “People need to be aware, if they’re traveling into that area, to prevent bringing it back,” Currin said. “There are products available for both NWS prevention and treatment for livestock, pets and people who may be traveling there.”

Anyone traveling with animals can speak with a local veterinarian to learn about available preventatives and treatments.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are actively monitoring the movement of animals across state lines to prevent the spread of infected animals into the region.

Virginia State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness while noting a key environmental factor working in Virginia’s favor. “If New World screwworm does find its way to Virginia, we are ready to respond and help protect the health of our animal populations,” he said. “We are fortunate that with NWS not surviving in sustained temperatures below 46 degrees, Virginia is not at risk for NWS to become established here long term.”

Consumers who purchase beef or other meat products can also rest easy, according to Tony Banks, senior assistant director of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation agriculture, development and innovation. “Though NWS is a legitimate problem for wildlife and livestock in southernmost states, there’s absolutely no food-safety risk to consumers,” he said.

Currin also pointed out that Virginia’s climate is generally inhospitable to the screwworm fly. “Hopefully we will be able to get this thing contained before it can even move this far north,” he said. “We’re at least a year away from the new USDA plant in Texas coming online that will produce sterile flies to truly get it under control.”

The screwworm is not a new threat to the United States. After infested cattle were shipped from the Southwest in 1933, the parasite triggered outbreaks across southeastern states. The USDA eventually wiped out the screwworm by 1966 using the Sterile Insect Technique, which involves releasing enormous numbers of sterilized male flies to cause local populations to collapse.

The USDA is currently leading a coordinated national response to the new detections. For more information, visit screwworm.gov or reach out to USDA staff at [email protected].

The National Milk Producers Federation is welcoming a new policy clarification from the Trump administration that spells out how dairy farms can take advantage of the H-2A agricultural guest worker program.

NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud released a statement expressing the industry’s support for the move, saying: “Dairy farmers appreciate the new clarification released by the Trump administration outlining how dairy operations may use the H-2A agricultural worker program. The dairy industry has long sought access to the H-2A program, and this guidance will help open the door for dairies to begin using this program. We applaud secretaries Rollins and Mullin and acting Secretary Sonderling for their proactive leadership on this issue and look forward to learning more about these important new changes.”

The federation also committed to pushing for lasting solutions, with Doud adding: “NMPF pledges to work with both Congress and the administration to secure long-term certainty for the dairy workforce, including solutions to transition to H-2A, which will ensure that dairies across the nation are set up to thrive, boosting rural communities and providing Americans and the world with high-quality, nutritious products.”

SUFFOLK, Va. — While the vast majority of T-shirts sold in America are made abroad, one Virginia farming family is proving it doesn’t have to be that way — growing cotton and turning it into finished clothing entirely within the United States.

Bosselman Farms, based in Suffolk, has teamed up with an Ohio garment manufacturer to build a completely domestic supply chain under the brand Old Myrtle Cotton Co. The venture is also in step with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newly unveiled Great American Cotton Plan, a federal initiative designed to boost profits for cotton growers, rebuild the country’s textile manufacturing base, and grow demand for American-grown cotton.

This fall, volunteers at the State Fair of Virginia will wear Old Myrtle Cotton Co. T-shirts — a walking symbol of what a fully homegrown cotton supply chain can look like, supported by Virginia farmers and the state’s Farm Bureau.

Whitney Perkins, executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability, described what fair attendees can expect. “They’re going to be a natural, undyed cotton with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation centennial logo,” she said. “And there will be a state fair display following the journey of Virginia cotton to T-shirts, with an opportunity for guests to order their own shirts from Old Myrtle!”

Perkins worked alongside fourth-generation farmer David Bosselman to secure value-added grant opportunities that helped launch the T-shirt company.

Bosselman says the proof of how unusual this model is can be found right in your own closet. He encourages people to flip over their shirt and check the tag.

“Honduras, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and all over Indonesia,” he said, rattling off the typical countries of origin.

The USDA’s “Plant Not Plastic” initiative echoes that message, urging shoppers to look for clothing made from natural American cotton rather than synthetic, plastic-based materials.

Bosselman acknowledges that keeping production entirely in the U.S. comes at a higher price point, but he believes it’s worth it. “You can buy a shirt like that a dime a dozen,” he said. “Even though it costs a little bit more to be 100% American made, I think that our quality is far better than what we’re getting from overseas.”

Old Myrtle’s natural line features undyed cotton shirts that keep their organic off-white color throughout the manufacturing process. The longer cotton fibers used give the fabric added durability. “The twisting process with longer fibers makes the material a little bit stronger,” Bosselman explained. “It even has those tiny specks of seed trash in there like nothing’s been done to it.”

Beyond the natural line, Old Myrtle also offers soft, dyed shirts using the Pantone Matching Color System. A special garment-dyeing process gives those shirts a comfortable, worn-in feel and a vintage, faded appearance right from the start.

“You can touch it and the quality speaks for itself,” Perkins said.

A display tracing the journey of Virginia cotton into finished shirts will be on view in the Meadow Pavilion at the State Fair of Virginia, which runs September 25 through October 4 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

RICHMOND — Advocates for Virginia’s farming community were active throughout the 2026 General Assembly session, pushing for legislation that touches on everything from food labeling to pest control to worker pay.

Several of those new laws will affect not just farmers, but everyday Virginians who buy food and hire landscapers. Key measures from the session address how alternative proteins must be labeled, how property owners must be informed about invasive plants, how deer damage permits are handled, and how the state’s minimum wage will change.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill requiring alternative- and manufactured-protein food products to carry labels clearly identifying their ingredients and origin. Under the new law, a food item would be considered misbranded if it is marketed as a meat or poultry product but actually contains a manufactured-protein ingredient — unless the label prominently includes a qualifying term like “plant-based,” “cell-cultured,” “lab-grown,” or “vegan.”

Katelyn Jordan, assistant director of governmental relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, emphasized why the labeling change matters: “Clear and accurate labeling is not just a consumer transparency issue — it’s about fairness, integrity and protecting the livelihoods of Virginia’s livestock farmers.”

Spanberger also signed a separate measure establishing escalating civil fines for retailers, landscapers, and contractors who fail to give written notice to property owners when recommending or installing plants that the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has identified as invasive species. Fines start at no more than $250 for a first offense, rise to $500 for a second, and reach $1,000 for each additional violation.

Invasive plants can move beyond private yards into natural areas and farmland, causing ecological and economic harm. Jordan noted the importance of keeping buyers informed: “Invasive species threaten our farms by damaging crops, increasing costs and disrupting operations. An informed consumer is critical to stopping their spread and protecting our farmland from future infestations.”

Virginia farmers have long dealt with deer causing significant damage to crops and agricultural operations, sometimes resulting in thousands of dollars in losses. New legislation simplifies the process for obtaining deer kill permits by making it easier to renew them and eliminating the requirement to maintain a shooter list. The bill also clarifies that there is no limit on the number of antlerless deer that can be culled under a permit when they are causing agricultural damage.

“This bill cuts unnecessary red tape by streamlining the kill permit process, giving farmers faster, more efficient tools to protect their operations while maintaining proper oversight,” Jordan said.

Minimum wage was another major topic this session. Spanberger signed legislation that will raise Virginia’s minimum wage in two steps — climbing to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027, and then reaching $15 per hour by January 1, 2028.

Jordan cautioned that the wage increases carry broad consequences for the agricultural sector: “Changes to the minimum wage have ripple effects all the way up and down the supply chain. We need to do everything we can to keep our small farmers farming.”

DELMARVA — A grain-loaded tractor-trailer overturned Wednesday evening on the northbound side of Route 13 in Wicomico County. Details on the cause remain limited. Farmers hauling grain or routing deliveries along Route 13 Thursday morning are advised to check road conditions before departing.

Markets

July corn closed at $4.21/bu, up 7¼ cents. July soybeans settled at $11.32/bu, up 2 cents. July Chicago wheat posted a strong session, closing at $6.12¾/bu, up 16¾ cents.

In livestock, August live cattle finished at $248.85, August feeder cattle at $367.42, and July lean hogs at $94.65.

Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bidding $4.63 on December corn and $11.00 on November soybeans.

Policy

Federal agencies released new H-2A guidance Wednesday for dairy operations. The Departments of Homeland Security and Labor outlined how dairy farms can access the agricultural guest worker program, provided they can demonstrate their labor needs are temporary or seasonal. Dairy producers are encouraged to review the full guidance.

Forecast

Thursday’s high will reach 94°F with southwest winds at 10-20 mph. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely. Overnight lows will drop to 69°F with a slight chance of storms continuing.

Friday’s high is forecast at 84°F, with storm chances expected early in the day before clearing through the afternoon.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

A federal agency that oversees animal and plant health is taking steps to update and extend an existing information collection tied to the importation of live dogs intended for resale.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced its intention to seek a revision to — and an extension of — the approved information collection associated with bringing live dogs into the United States from regions where African swine fever either exists or is reasonably believed to be present.

The move is being made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies to publicly announce changes to the way they gather information from the public or regulated industries.

Federal agriculture officials have announced plans to conduct a comprehensive environmental review of a program aimed at controlling grasshopper and Mormon cricket populations on rangeland across the western United States.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a Notice of Intent stating it will prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement — a broad analysis of how the suppression program affects the surrounding environment.

The review will cover the program’s operations across 17 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

As part of the process, APHIS is asking for public input to help shape the scope of the review. Officials want feedback on possible alternatives to the current approach, potential effects on people and the environment, and any relevant research or data the public believes should be considered.

The new environmental impact statement will replace a previous version that was published in 2019. APHIS expects to have the final document completed and published by August 2027.

DELMARVA — Maryland farmers have until July 17 to sign up for the state Department of Agriculture’s 2026 Cover Crop Grant Program, with registration opening June 22. Farmers can enroll through their local soil conservation districts. The grant helps offset the costs of planting fall cover crops, supporting continued conservation practice across the region.

Markets

July corn settled at $4.21/bu, up 7.25 cents, while July soybeans closed at $11.32/bu, up 2 cents. July Chicago wheat posted a strong finish at $6.12¾/bu, up 16.75 cents. August live cattle closed at $248.85, down 35 cents. July lean hogs finished at $94.65.

Crop Conditions

Wet conditions this season are fueling early soybean disease outbreaks across the Midwest and Delta. BASF technical service representative Mike Probst reports that saturated soils combined with early planting created prime conditions for seedling diseases. Delmarva growers dealing with any excess moisture are advised to monitor their fields closely.

Poultry

The latest USDA broiler hatchery report shows eggs set nationally up 1%, with chicks placed up 2%. The modest gains point to steady production heading into summer.

Forecast

Wednesday evening is expected to remain mostly clear with lows near 71°F. Thursday brings highs up to 95°F with southwest winds at 10-20 mph and a chance of showers and thunderstorms by afternoon. Growers are encouraged to plan field work for the morning hours.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The latest figures from a national broiler hatchery report show a slight uptick in poultry production activity across the United States.

According to the report, the number of broiler-type eggs set in the country increased by 1 percent during the most recent reporting period. At the same time, broiler-type chicks placed nationwide rose by 2 percent.

These numbers reflect ongoing trends in the U.S. broiler chicken industry, which plays a significant role in the nation’s overall poultry and meat supply chain.

Agricultural and dairy industry officials are exploring the use of bulk tank milk testing as a potential tool for detecting and responding to foot and mouth disease outbreaks.

The approach involves testing milk collected in bulk storage tanks, which could allow health and agriculture officials to identify the presence of the disease at an early stage across multiple farms simultaneously.

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, and can cause significant economic damage to the livestock and dairy industries if not quickly contained.

By screening bulk tank milk — which is collected from many animals at once — officials could potentially detect signs of an outbreak faster than traditional methods, giving response teams more time to act before the disease spreads further.

The proposal is being reviewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a foot and mouth disease outbreak.

DELMARVA — Soybean prices pushed higher Tuesday as traders remain hopeful China will soon return as a buyer of U.S. supplies. No confirmed sales have been reported yet, but a recent drop in U.S. prices has helped close the gap with Brazilian soybeans on the global market, potentially making American supplies more competitive.

Markets

Tuesday’s closing futures showed July corn settling at $4.13¾, up 1¾ cents. July soybeans closed at $11.30, up 10¾ cents. July Chicago wheat finished at $5.96, gaining 6¼ cents.

In livestock, August live cattle surged nearly $6 to settle at $249.20. August feeder cattle closed at $366.87. July lean hogs fell to $94.80.

For local cash bids, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.58/bu for July delivery. Soybeans there are at $10.74 for July.

Policy

A new report from S&P Global Energy says expanding biofuel production could deliver meaningful relief to a struggling farm economy. The CEO of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action says agriculture is at a crossroads, comparing current conditions to some of the industry’s toughest stretches.

Forecast

Wednesday brings a high of 84°F with southeast winds at 5-10 mph and a slight chance of showers. Thursday heats up significantly, reaching 93°F with winds increasing to 15-20 mph out of the southwest and afternoon showers and thunderstorms likely. Producers are advised to plan field work for the morning hours.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Grain and livestock markets wrapped up Tuesday’s session with broad gains across most contracts.

Markets

July corn settled at $4.13¾, up 1¾ cents. July soybeans closed at $11.30, a gain of 10¾ cents. July Chicago wheat finished at $5.96, adding 6¼ cents.

Livestock futures surged in Tuesday’s session. August live cattle jumped $5.95 to settle at $249.20. August feeder cattle rose $5.32 to close at $366.87. July lean hogs slipped $1.77 to finish at $94.80.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn is bringing $4.59/bu on July delivery. Soybeans are bid at $10.70 for July.

Policy

The cattle industry is monitoring New World screwworm as the pest continues to move northward. Livestock operators say they are watching the situation carefully, with some expressing cautious optimism that impacts will remain limited farther from the current spread.

The biofuels sector is reporting a strong rebound after the EPA finalized higher biomass-based diesel blending requirements. Industry officials say capacity has climbed from around 50% through much of last year to above 70% already, with confidence the sector can meet the new demands.

Forecast

Tuesday ended sunny near 80°F. Tonight, clouds are expected to build with a chance of late showers. Wednesday brings partly cloudy skies, a chance of showers throughout the day, and highs in the mid-80s — field operators are advised to plan work accordingly.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

If you’ve ever shopped for groceries in certain countries, you may have noticed large black warning symbols plastered on food packaging. Known as front-of-package labels, or FOPLs, these markings are designed to alert consumers when a product contains elevated levels of added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. The goal is to encourage healthier eating — but critics say the system is deeply flawed, often flagging a carton of whole milk or chocolate milk with warning signs while leaving a can of diet soda untouched.

When a public health policy ends up discouraging people from eating genuinely nutritious foods, something has gone wrong. That’s the argument being made by the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, who say these labeling systems misrepresent dairy’s well-documented health benefits and threaten demand in key export markets — ultimately hurting American dairy farmers.

Three Major Battles in Latin America

The most active regulatory fights are currently playing out across Latin America.

In Chile — a market that generated $100 million in U.S. dairy exports last year — a front-of-package labeling requirement has been in place since 2019. Under that system, milk, yogurt, and cheese that exceed government thresholds for calories, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium must carry prominent warning labels. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council have been teaming up with the Chilean Federation of Milk Producers to seek exemptions specifically for dairy products and to bring the labeling rules in line with Chile’s own dietary guidelines, which acknowledge dairy’s health value.

In Colombia, a market worth $183 million in U.S. dairy exports last year, regulators are considering a draft proposal that could classify most dairy products as “ultra-processed” — simply because making them involves certain processing steps or added functional ingredients. The two organizations filed formal comments with Colombian officials last month and are working alongside Colombian dairy industry partners to push for exemptions for nutrient-rich dairy foods.

In Mexico, the effort has been ongoing for six years. That market represents $2.6 billion in dairy exports, making the stakes enormous. The work there has focused on shaping Mexico’s labeling regulations in a more reasonable direction and preventing a final regulatory phase that could have banned many dairy products from publicly funded settings such as schools and hospitals.

Getting Policymakers Up to Speed on the Science

Changing policy requires more than advocacy — it requires educating the people who write the rules. To that end, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, with backing from the National Dairy Council and the National Milk Producers Federation, organized the NutriLact Congress 2026, a dairy nutrition conference held this past February in Lima, Peru. The event drew more than 300 scientists, health officials, policymakers, and other participants from 17 countries across Latin America. The conference made the case that dairy products play a unique role in filling nutritional gaps at every stage of life — from pregnancy and early childhood all the way through healthy aging.

What This Means for Dairy Farmers

A warning label on a block of cheese sold overseas might seem like a faraway concern, but the ripple effects are real. Reduced demand in export markets affects the bottom line for dairy farmers everywhere. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council say they are committed to ensuring American dairy isn’t unfairly branded with misleading warning symbols. Through regional partnerships and educational initiatives like NutriLact, the industry is working to build the long-term relationships needed to win this global labeling fight.

RICHMOND — Twenty-one members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee traveled to the Washington, D.C. area earlier this month to take part in a major national gathering for women in agriculture.

The biennial ACE Summit — which stands for Advocate, Cultivate, Empower — drew approximately 450 attendees from across the United States and beyond for three days of leadership training, advocacy workshops and networking from June 1-3 in Arlington and Washington, D.C. This year’s event also served as a celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, honoring the contributions women make to farming, agribusiness and the global food supply.

“It was incredible to have such a large cohort of Virginia women representing us at the summit, especially during the IYWF,” said Faye Hundley, chair of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. “The caliber of speakers and workshop topics made for a thought-provoking and educational experience that empowered women to see their value.”

Over the course of the three-day event, attendees explored the history and importance of the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer and examined the obstacles and possibilities women in agriculture encounter worldwide. Sessions covered emerging trends in global farming, the growing role of technology in agriculture, and ways to effectively communicate agriculture’s story to consumers, policymakers and local communities.

Notable speakers at the summit included Sarah Frey, CEO and founder of Frey Farms; Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer of the International Fresh Produce Association; and Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

For Jennifer Bryington of Orange County Farm Bureau, the summit was her first ACE experience — and one that left a lasting impression after connecting with agriculture professionals from countries including Ireland and Sweden.

“I attended workshops that stretched my thinking, but it was the conversations in between that stayed with me the most,” she said. “I heard stories of loss and resilience; and stories of women who kept showing up after droughts, hardships, heartbreak, financial struggles and unimaginable challenges. It reminded me of why our work matters so much.”

A major highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s National Women in Agriculture Study, offering an in-depth look at women’s roles throughout U.S. agriculture. The study found that 90% of those surveyed felt confident speaking about agriculture in public or professional settings and expressed interest in taking on leadership roles. It also pointed to areas where greater support is needed, including caregiving responsibilities, skill-building, leadership involvement, financial planning and personal well-being.

On the final day, attendees turned their training into action, heading to Capitol Hill to meet directly with lawmakers. The Virginia delegation sat down with Reps. John McGuire, Eugene Vindman, Jen Kiggans and Ben Cline, sharing firsthand accounts of the challenges facing Virginia’s agricultural communities — including the toll this year’s severe weather has taken on the state’s crops.

Franklin County Farm Bureau member Monica Bowman said the experience reinforced the power of personal storytelling in the political arena.

“Our stories are more than personal experiences — they are powerful tools for shaping policy, building understanding and strengthening agriculture,” she said.

Sheila Newman of Carroll County Farm Bureau agreed, calling the summit a “unique opportunity” to learn from fellow advocates and speak up for farming communities. “I returned home with new knowledge, valuable connections, and a renewed appreciation for the important role women play in agriculture,” she said.

The full Virginia delegation included Candace Monaghan of Botetourt County; Sheila Newman of Carroll County; Aimee Adams of Charlotte County; Roxanne Stonecypher of Chesapeake; Faye Hundley of Essex County; Monica Bowman and Morgan Washburn of Franklin County; Stacy Richardson of King & Queen County; Kelsey Trainor of King George County; Elizabeth Dzula of Essex County; Jennifer Bryington, Katelyn Burner and Melissa Chambers of Orange County; Ginger Shotwell of Pittsylvania County; Ann Smith of Rockbridge County; Ashley Kuhler of Shenandoah County; Sarah Gillsespie of Smyth County; Cutler Blankenship and Amber Compton of Spotsylvania County; and Julia Stephens of Wythe County.

Members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program work to support agriculture — the state’s largest industry — through community education, local outreach initiatives and advocacy on behalf of Farm Bureau policies.

DELMARVA — Maryland farmers devastated by an April freeze have secured federal relief after the USDA issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration following a severe freeze event on April 21.

Temperatures plunged into the low 20s°F after weeks of unusually warm weather, catching perennial crops as they emerged from dormancy. Crop losses far exceeded the 30% threshold required for federal assistance. Governor Moore formally requested the declaration at the end of May, citing millions of dollars in labor and maintenance costs farmers face simply to keep long-term perennial plantings alive — even with no harvestable crop this season. The freeze also struck during an active drought, compounding damage across multiple counties.

Trade

Both Canada and Mexico have placed restrictions on live cattle imports from the United States following a New World screwworm detection on U.S. soil. An agricultural economist at the University of Tennessee noted that trade ties with Mexico may make those restrictions especially significant, as the U.S. sends more cattle there than to Canada. Operations spanning multiple states could face the greatest disruption.

Regional

Rising fuel costs are squeezing Delmarva watermen and driving crab prices higher this season. Diesel ranks among the largest overhead expenses for working vessels, and those costs are being passed through the supply chain directly to consumers.

Markets

Monday closing prices showed July corn settling at $4.15½ per bushel. July soybeans closed at $11.19¼ per bushel. July Chicago wheat finished at $5.89¾ per bushel. At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, December corn is bringing $4.55 per bushel.

Forecast

Tuesday brings sunny skies with a high of 78°F and light winds out of the west — favorable conditions for field work. Wednesday calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high of 83°F.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan farmer Yvonne Anyonyi Mumiah starts her mornings walking through rows of rosemary, basil, and other herbs and vegetables bound for grocery shelves in Europe. Not long ago, she lived with the constant fear that heat or delayed transportation would ruin her harvest before it ever reached a buyer. Today, she counts on a solar-powered cold storage service to keep her produce in prime condition.

The service she uses is provided by a cold-chain company called SoKo Fresh, which charges farmers based on how many kilograms of produce they store — a pay-as-you-go approach that’s part of a broader movement across the African continent. The goal is to tackle one of farming’s most stubborn problems: food spoilage before it ever reaches consumers.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as much as 40% of the food grown in Africa is lost somewhere between the farm and the marketplace, with poor storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure bearing much of the blame.

Solar-powered cold rooms, off-grid warehouses, and cooling centers are giving farmers and traders a way to keep perishable goods fresh without depending on costly or unreliable electrical grids. This approach is picking up steam in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa.

“The biggest challenge was preserving the quality after harvest,” Mumiah said. Like many smallholder farmers, she could not afford the approximately $30,000 price tag for her own solar cold storage unit.

“You can do everything right on the farm, but if the produce is not stored properly, you lose both the product and income,” she explained. She also pointed to the freedom cold storage gives her: “We are no longer forced to sell immediately because we fear the produce will spoil. We can wait for collection and still maintain quality.”

Climate change, rising temperatures, and disruptions to supply chains are putting increasing pressure on food handling systems worldwide, making cooling technology more essential than ever.

In countries like India, China, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, well-developed cold-chain networks can keep fresh produce marketable for weeks at a time. Across much of Africa, however, many farmers have no access to cooling facilities and are forced to sell their crops right after harvest — often at a loss.

The problem grows worse as temperatures climb, since intense heat speeds up the spoilage of vegetables, fruits, dairy, and fish. Unreliable electricity makes traditional refrigeration too expensive or simply impractical in many rural communities.

“Cold storage remains one of the missing links in Africa’s agricultural value chains,” said Emmanuel Aziebor, regional director for Africa at CLASP, a nonprofit that promotes energy-efficient appliances and technologies for productive use.

“When farmers can store produce for longer, they gain access to better markets, reduce waste and increase incomes,” he added.

SoKo Fresh reports that it has reduced spoilage rates for its clients from as high as 50% down to less than 2%, while also helping farmers earn up to 50% more per kilogram of produce.

In Nigeria, companies such as ColdHubs have set up solar-powered walk-in cold rooms at major farming markets, letting farmers and traders pay for daily rental space rather than purchasing costly equipment outright. In Rwanda, solar refrigeration is being used to support dairy cooperatives and improve how milk is collected and stored. In Ethiopia, cold-chain investments are growing to support horticultural exports, one of that nation’s fastest-developing agricultural sectors.

Analysts say these kinds of innovations are becoming critical as African nations work to strengthen food security while also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conventional cold storage systems frequently rely on diesel generators, especially in areas where the power grid is inconsistent. Solar-powered options can reduce both fuel use and operating expenses while producing fewer emissions.

Still, experts suggest the most significant benefit may be economic rather than environmental. For years, development work across Africa has centered heavily on expanding access to electricity. While many households have gained power, far less attention has gone toward making sure people can actually use that electricity to earn a living.

“We have neglected the conversation around how people can turn electricity into opportunity,” Aziebor said. “We keep extending electricity infrastructure, but unless people can use that power productively, the economic benefits never fully materialize.”

Throughout Africa, solar-powered irrigation systems are making year-round farming possible. Solar-powered milling machines and other processing equipment are helping rural communities add value to what they grow right where it’s produced.

Funding, however, continues to be a significant hurdle.

“The challenge today is not demonstrating that these systems work,” said Carol Koech, vice president for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. “It is building enough bankable projects that can attract larger pools of investment and scale across countries.”

Grants, low-interest loans, and donor contributions can help offset startup costs, but industry insiders say drawing in substantial commercial investment remains difficult because many agricultural markets are fragmented and made up largely of small-scale producers.

“These investors see emerging technologies as high risk because we lack enough proven business models with reliable returns,” said SoKo Fresh CEO Denis Karema. “That makes funding for our type of projects expensive.”

DELMARVA — Soybean producers across Delmarva are being asked to vote on a proposed change to crop insurance that could significantly strengthen coverage for full-season growers.

The referendum, developed by the University of Delaware Extension, the USDA Risk Management Agency, and regional crop insurance providers, would split soybeans into 2 separate designations: NFAC (not following another crop) and FAC (following another crop). Currently, both types fall under a single policy, and the blended yield average pulls coverage down for full-season beans.

Extension farm business management specialist Nate Bruce analyzed the numbers on a hypothetical Sussex County farm. Separating the designations could boost liability coverage by more than $100/acre while adding roughly $8 to the premium. Bruce described that as a substantial increase in the safety net.

Markets

Grain futures closed higher across the board Monday. July corn settled at $4.15½, up nearly 3 cents. July soybeans closed at $11.19¼, a gain of nearly 6 cents. July Chicago wheat finished at $5.89¾. On the livestock side, August live cattle settled at $243.25, up over $2.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn for July delivery is bringing $4.61/bu, and soybeans for July are at $10.60.

USDA’s Crop Progress report shows corn is 100% planted nationally, with 68% rated good to excellent. Soybeans are at 95% planted, slightly ahead of the 5-year average.

Forecast

Monday evening will remain sunny with temperatures near 80°F and northwest winds at 15 mph. Overnight skies will clear, with a low of 59°F. Tuesday looks favorable for fieldwork, with sunny skies, a high of 78°F, and light winds. A coastal flood advisory is in effect through early Tuesday morning.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, known as NASS, has released its latest Crop Progress and Condition estimates.

The report offers a regular snapshot of how crops are faring across the nation, giving farmers, analysts, and agricultural officials a look at current growing conditions and development stages.

These periodic updates from NASS are used widely in the agricultural community to monitor crop health and progress throughout the growing season.

The most recent turkey hatchery data shows a slight increase in eggs currently being incubated, even as the number of young turkeys hatched and placed during May declined compared to a year ago.

As of June 1, the number of eggs sitting in incubators was up 1 percent from the same point last year, suggesting some optimism among producers heading into the summer months.

However, the number of poults — newly hatched young turkeys — that came out of hatcheries during the month of May was down 4 percent from May of last year. The number of net poults placed during that same period also dropped by 4 percent year-over-year.

The figures were released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The National Milk Producers Federation has published a mid-year data update covering highlights from the dairy industry in 2026.

The report, titled “2026 Dairy Data Highlights: Mid-Year Update,” was released through the federation’s official channels. The full details and specific figures from the report were not included in the available release summary.

For the complete breakdown of mid-year dairy statistics and industry trends, the full report is available through the National Milk Producers Federation.

Community-supported agriculture — commonly called CSA — has been a cornerstone of the local food movement for decades. The basic concept is straightforward: a customer pays a farm at the start of the season, and in exchange, they receive regular shares of freshly grown produce throughout the harvest period.

But as consumer habits and preferences continue to shift, some farmers are finding that the traditional CSA structure no longer fits every customer’s lifestyle. In response, growers are experimenting with updated versions of the model designed to give buyers more flexibility and choice.

These changes reflect a growing recognition among farmers that meeting customers where they are — both literally and figuratively — may be key to keeping community-supported agriculture relevant and sustainable in today’s marketplace.

DELMARVA — An ammonia leak at a Perdue processing facility in Milford sent 9 people to the hospital Sunday morning. Officials say approximately 68 pounds of anhydrous ammonia escaped into the air at the plant, triggering an emergency response and medical treatment for those affected.

Food Safety

Maryland health officials have expanded a listeria warning to cover every cheese product made at Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville, Maryland. The state had already suspended the facility’s operating license on May 30 and issued a narrower advisory on June 3 covering only the requesón and soft ricotta. That warning now covers the dairy’s entire cheese lineup.

Products are sold at farmers markets and through distributors across Maryland, Virginia, and several other states. Consumers should check packaging for manufacturer permit number 24-128. Any Clover Hill Dairy cheese should be discarded immediately.

Markets

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn on the December contract is $4.51/bu. July corn is $4.53/bu. November soybeans are $10.79/bu, and July beans are $10.50/bu.

Forecast

Conditions Monday look favorable for fieldwork, with sunny skies, highs near 80°F, and northwest winds of 10-15 mph. A coastal flood advisory runs until 2 a.m. Tuesday for inland Sussex County and Delaware beaches, with minor tidal flooding possible on low-lying roads. Tuesday will remain clear and sunny with highs near 76°F.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Rootless corn syndrome has emerged as a major problem for growers this week as extreme weather conditions create ideal circumstances for the condition’s spread.

Robby Meeker, an agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids overseeing operations across eastern Illinois and Indiana, says extreme weather in June has severely impacted crop development. The combination of excessive heat, drought conditions, and persistent strong winds created a perfect storm for the syndrome’s spread. The condition has plagued corn crops across multiple states this growing season.

Drought has devastated hay crops across the region. Rosemary Life, an associate Extension agent in Rockingham County, Virginia, reports producers there saw first cutting yields at just 40% of normal. That shortfall comes on the heels of a long harsh winter that already strained hay supplies. Many farmers went into spring with fewer reserves than usual after feeding livestock through extended snow cover. Even if weather improves, the reduced first cutting means there will be less hay available heading into fall and winter.

Markets

Friday’s close saw corn finish steady to firm while soybeans and wheat weakened. Soybeans faced pressure from fund and technical selling. Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.58 a bushel for July delivery. Soybeans there are $10.54 for July.

Forecast

Saturday afternoon will reach 83° with sunny skies. Tonight drops to 69° and partly cloudy. Sunday brings 80° with partly sunny skies, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Corn farmers across multiple states are dealing with rootless corn syndrome this growing season, according to agricultural experts monitoring the situation. Robby Meeker, an agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids overseeing eastern Illinois and Indiana, says extreme heat, drought, and persistent strong winds in June created a perfect storm for crop damage. The syndrome is affecting corn development in numerous locations across key farming regions.

Markets

Yesterday’s grain session showed mixed results. Corn finished steady to firm while soybeans and wheat weakened. Fund and technical selling pressured soybeans, extending weekly losses. Argentina’s harvest stands at 95% complete. Export sales data showed no significant developments in overseas demand.

Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.58 a bushel for July delivery. Soybeans there are running $10.54 for July.

Livestock

In Virginia, severe drought is hammering cattle producers. The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association has organized a drought sale next month for producers without adequate pasture or hay. A 2nd sale is planned for July 14 for calves. Hay prices have hit unprecedented levels as first cutting yielded only 1/3 to 1/2 of normal amounts. 48 Virginia localities are now declared drought disaster areas.

Forecast

Today looks sunny with highs reaching 85°. Tomorrow brings mostly sunny skies and 82°, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms developing later.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Corn farmers across multiple states are battling rootless corn syndrome this growing season as extreme weather conditions create ideal circumstances for the problem to spread. An agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids says the combination of excessive heat, drought conditions, and persistent strong winds in June has severely impacted crop development.

Markets

Grain trading showed mixed results Friday. Corn finished steady to firm while soybeans and wheat weakened. Soybeans faced pressure from fund and technical selling, extending weekly losses. Argentina’s harvest stands at approximately 95% completion.

At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn for July delivery is bringing $4.58 per bushel. Soybeans for July are at $10.54.

Livestock

Severe drought is hammering Virginia cattle producers. The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association has organized a drought sale next month for producers who cannot sustain their herds. One Orange County farmer says this is the driest spring he has ever seen. First cutting hay yielded only 1/3 to 1/2 of typical amounts. Virginia Cooperative Extension warns hay will be extremely difficult to locate.

Outlook

An agriculture expert warns the current El Niño weather pattern could increase crop disease pressure this summer. A crop protection specialist with Syngenta says El Niño typically brings above-normal moisture to southern areas while northern states see higher temperatures.

Forecast

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday evening with temperatures dropping to 69° overnight. Saturday looks sunny with a high of 82°. Sunday brings more sun early, then showers and thunderstorms are likely.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 12, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Agricultural producers experienced a notable decline in peanut compensation during the first week of June, according to new pricing data.

Farmers received an average of 22.0 cents per pound for all farmer stock peanuts during the week that concluded on June 6, representing a decrease of 2.7 cents from the prior week’s rates.

The pricing information reflects what growers earned for their peanut crops during that specific seven-day period.

DELMARVA — Federal agriculture authorities confirmed that New World screwworm has arrived in the United States, with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service documenting the first case on June 3 in a 3-week-old calf in southern Texas. By Tuesday, officials had verified 6 total cases — 5 in Texas livestock and 1 involving a dog in New Mexico. The parasitic pest poses a serious threat to livestock operations nationwide.

Markets

Cattle futures posted strong gains at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. August live cattle closed up $1.17 at $242.67 per hundredweight. October contracts climbed even higher, up $1.70, closing at $235.40. Feeder cattle saw the biggest jump — August contracts surged $5.27 to close at $359.65. Corn futures declined, giving feeders extra momentum.

For local cash grain, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.54 a bushel for July delivery. Soybeans there are $10.82 for November delivery.

Forecast

The region is under a heat advisory today with highs near 89° and a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog early then mostly cloudy conditions are expected. Saturday looks better — sunny skies with highs in the mid 80s and lower humidity moving in.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 12, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Continuous rainfall across the Midwest is leaving soybean farmers racing against the calendar as saturated soils prevent field access. Don Wyss, who farms corn and soybeans in northeast Indiana, says they’re struggling with too wet conditions and aren’t done with soybean planting yet. Kyle Durham, farming east of Kansas City in Missouri, reports similar delays due to persistent moisture.

Markets

Livestock futures posted strong gains Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. August live cattle finished $1.17 higher at $242.67 per hundredweight. October live cattle jumped $1.70 to $235.40. Feeder cattle saw the biggest gains, with August contracts surging $5.27 to close at $359.65.

Crop Production

Winter wheat production continues to shrink. USDA revised its estimate down to 1.03 billion bushels Thursday, a 2% drop from May and 27% below last year. Yields are now pegged at 46.8 bushels per acre.

Policy

USDA is redirecting money from a canceled food program to help fund the $1.3 billion screwworm eradication campaign, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Forecast

The local area reached 86° this afternoon under partly sunny skies. Tonight brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low of 72°. Friday looks mostly sunny, high near 88°, then a slight chance of storms Friday night. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through Friday evening.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 11, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins observed the release of sterile flies designed to combat the New World screwworm during a Thursday visit to a Texas ranch where one of the initial cases was discovered. This parasite poses a serious threat to America’s cattle industry.

During her visit, she reiterated her claim that the previous administration under former President Joe Biden bears responsibility for the parasite’s reappearance in the United States after being eliminated six decades ago. Democratic officials counter that budget reductions to the agriculture department during President Donald Trump’s tenure are the real culprit.

According to Rollins, screwworms are developing into a billion-dollar global crisis, though containment remains possible if ranchers stay alert, monitor their livestock and wildlife, and address infestations promptly. She indicated the calf where screwworms were discovered six days prior in its umbilical cord wound area.

“He couldn’t be happier. He’s bouncing around the pasture,” Rollins said.

These parasitic flies deposit eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded creatures and consume living tissue instead of dead matter. Researchers indicate that releasing sterile flies to breed with females represents the most successful population control method, a tactic proven effective for decades. Rising global temperatures are complicating containment efforts by expanding suitable habitats for screwworms, which flourish in hot, humid conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is organizing a comprehensive campaign against the screwworm, which had been restricted to Panama’s narrow isthmus for decades.

Regardless of the underlying cause, pushing screwworms southward and preventing their return will require significant funding. The USDA projects spending more than $1 billion on protecting cattle herds and other livestock.

Approximately $750 million will fund construction and operation of a facility capable of producing up to 300 million sterile flies weekly. This established technique works because female screwworms mate only once, so pairing with a sterile male results in non-viable eggs and declining populations.

The objective is safeguarding the U.S. cattle industry. Specialists believe the parasite shouldn’t immediately drive up already near-record beef prices provided it doesn’t escalate into a widespread outbreak killing large numbers of cattle. Screwworms don’t compromise food safety.

The parasite has already disrupted Mexico’s beef industry. The U.S. shut down southern ports to Mexican livestock last summer.

Mexico has recorded over 28,000 screwworm cases since the flies returned two years ago, primarily concentrated in southern states. The Mexican government halted importation of nearly all live animals from the U.S. after screwworms were found here.

The U.S. had remained virtually screwworm-free for 60 years, with researchers across North and Central America eventually confining it to Panama’s containment zone. However, in 2023, the flies reemerged and started migrating northward.

Specialists say screwworms will persist at least through this summer. Seven cases have been identified in Texas and New Mexico. A 12-mile quarantine zone is established around each confirmed case location.

While working toward solutions, researchers remain uncertain about what caused screwworms to leave their confined Panama region.

“I don’t have the answer to that one, and I don’t know if anyone does. It doesn’t help us to speculate,” said Jonathan Cammack, a professor of livestock entomology and parasitology at Oklahoma State University.

The priority now involves expanding the sterile fly program and securing international cooperation to push the pests back to Panama, he explained.

Climate change is also contributing to screwworm expansion, said Lee Haines, an associate research professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame.

“The fly is a creature of warmth as its entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can complete in as little as three weeks under tropical conditions,” Haines said.

Even Canada has temporarily halted livestock imports of cattle, horses and other animals from Texas. The parasites favor humid regions with temperatures of at least 77 F (25 C), and such conditions are becoming more common further north.

While Rollins rapidly implements a billion-dollar screwworm response, she has also criticized the Biden administration, pointing out it held office as the parasite resumed its northward movement.

She attributed the flies’ presence to animals accompanying or following immigrants traveling north, as well as transportation with cattle and other livestock sold by Mexican cartels outside official markets.

“Tens of millions of people moving north to America, bringing their livestock with them, the Mexican cartels with the illicit cattle traffic, we knew it was coming,” Rollins told the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday.

Nearly a dozen Democratic U.S. senators sent a letter to Rollins this week questioning whether job losses at the USDA have hurt food inspections and livestock safety programs.

Nearly 20% of the counties in the U.S. that started 2025 with at least one employee from the federal Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service ended the year with none, the letter said.

Rollins said she has moved over 100 USDA employees into the screwworm response. She said it has been one of her top priorities since Trump picked her to lead the USDA.

But Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu of California said blaming Biden is shortsighted and again shows the Trump administration creates problems through reckless spending cuts.

“The life cycle of a screwworm is about 14 to 54 days, depending on temperature and humidity. The Trump administration has been in office for over 500 days,” Lieu said earlier this week. “This is on the Trump administration. They need to own up to it, and they need to apologize.”

The latest agricultural production data reveals that winter wheat harvests have fallen below earlier projections, showing a 2 percent decrease from the forecasts issued in May.

The updated crop production figures indicate that growing conditions or other factors have impacted the final yields compared to what was anticipated during the spring growing season.

This decline represents a shift from the optimistic projections made earlier in the year, when agricultural officials were forecasting higher production levels for the winter wheat crop.

DENDRON—Breyon D. Pierce, a sixth-generation farmer from Surry County, recalls countless Saturdays working the land rather than enjoying cartoons or playing outdoors.

“But over time, seeds were planted within me that taught me something much greater,” Pierce explained. “Farming is not just a profession; it’s a calling.”

Pierce, an accomplished agriculture educator, cultivates peanuts, corn, soybeans and wheat across more than 900 acres alongside his father Glen at Pierce Farms LLC.

On June 9, the family welcomed state officials to their operation, hosting Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Sec. of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, Virginia General Assembly representatives and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation officials. The governor enacted several measures supporting the state’s agricultural and forestry sectors while promoting community food access.

Gov. Spanberger also delivered a proclamation honoring the Pierce family for their role as producers of food, fiber and fuel during Virginia Agriculture Week, June 7–13.

“There is no better place to recognize it than right here on this farm with a family that embodies what it means to devote your life to our land,” she said.

Pierce emphasized the complex challenges confronting farmers today. The state has seen nearly half a million acres of farmland disappear over the past five years, while producers struggle with increasing costs across various markets.

Safeguarding agricultural property remains essential for Virginia’s leading private industry and farming families’ survival, Pierce stated, noting the land “is meant to feed families, support communities, and provide opportunities for our future generations.”

The governor enacted five measures supporting Virginia’s agricultural and forestry industries while surrounded by local producers and agricultural advocates, including VFBF senior vice president of governmental relations Martha Moore.

Farm Bureau backed these legislative measures, Moore noted. “And now we consider them victories.”

HB 512 establishes a comprehensive prosperity strategy for agriculture and forestry sectors with yearly reports to the General Assembly.

SB 522 improves Forest Sustainability Fund management for localities preserving forest areas within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

SB 186 safeguards Virginia consumers and cattle producers by mandating clear labeling of manufactured protein products that cannot be misrepresented as genuine beef.

HB 1086 enables farmers to bid against out-of-state competitors for school nutrition contracts, increasing Virginia children’s access to locally-grown food.

SB 302 continues the peanut excise tax that funds essential marketing, research and educational programs for Virginia’s peanut growers.

Virginia’s agricultural sector generates an annual economic impact of $82.3 billion in total industry production, creates more than 381,000 jobs, and adds $43.8 billion in additional value. Broiler chickens led 2024 commodity rankings by cash receipts exceeding $1.2 billion, followed by cattle and calves, miscellaneous crops, milk and dairy products, soybeans, turkey and corn.

The state houses approximately 38,600 farms, with 95% owned and operated by individuals or families.

Visit vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown to locate farmers markets, roadside vendors and agritourism sites. Shoppers should look for Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest labels on products throughout retail locations statewide.

ORANGE—As National Dairy Month kicks off in June, shoppers can celebrate by purchasing milk that showcases Orange County dairy farmer Molly Elgin McWilliams on the packaging.

Molly Elgin McWilliams, a Virginia Farm Bureau member, appears alongside her daughter Halle on the new Strawberry Whole Milk cartons from Maola, which hit store shelves on May 5. This packaging approach addresses increasing consumer desire to learn about the origins of their food.

“On the consumer side, content that features our farmers consistently drives the highest engagement, showing how much customers value knowing where their food comes from,” said Amanda Culp, Maola director of communications and marketing. “It makes sense to carry that through to our packaging.”

This farmer-consumer connection holds particular significance in Virginia, where 365 dairy operations house committed farmers who tend their cattle and deliver fresh, premium milk daily, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports. Each dairy cow typically yields approximately 8 gallons of milk per day.

Maola operates as a farmer-owned dairy cooperative that emphasizes the bond between agricultural producers and customers as central to its goal of sustainably creating premium dairy offerings.

“We want our farmers to have pride in the products we are producing,” Culp said. “It’s our duty to be good stewards of their milk.”

The newly launched Maola Strawberry Whole Milk demonstrates this dedication. Produced without artificial coloring, the beverage delivers 8 grams of protein along with 13 vital nutrients. Customers can find the product throughout Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, including at 60 Wegmans stores, 188 Ingles Markets and Sheetz locations.

Dairy items remain crucial components of nutritious eating habits. Milk provides vital nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamins A and D, which promote strong bones, help regulate blood pressure and may lower the likelihood of certain chronic conditions, U.S. Dairy states.

With rising consumer appetite for high-protein alternatives, Maola has broadened its product selection. The cooperative introduced Maola More in April, an ultra-filtered milk offering 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of prebiotic fiber while containing reduced sugar and being lactose-free. Maola More comes in whole milk and 2% chocolate milk options.

Throughout National Dairy Month, highlighting local producers like McWilliams underscores the essential contribution dairy farmers make in delivering milk from agricultural operations to dining tables daily.

“The package says 100% fresh, 100% local, and it truly is,” Culp said.

Media: Contact Culp at 540-333-9873.

WASHINGTON—Agricultural producers across nine Virginia counties can now access emergency financial assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared their drought-affected regions as natural disaster areas.

This federal designation enables the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide critical emergency funding to agricultural operations impacted by severe drought conditions. These financial resources may be utilized for equipment and livestock replacement, farm operation restructuring, or refinancing specific debts. The FSA will evaluate loan applications considering loss severity, available collateral, and the borrower’s capacity to repay.

The counties qualifying for emergency loan assistance are: Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Henry, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Sussex.

Furthermore, these adjacent regions also qualify for assistance: Albemarle, Augusta, Bedford, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Prince Edward, Prince George, Rockbridge, Southampton and Surry counties, along with the cities of Danville, Lynchburg and Martinsville.

Agricultural producers must submit loan applications by Jan. 31, 2027. Farmers may explore available programs and financing options by accessing farmers.gov and utilizing its Loan Assistance Tool.

For filing a Notice of Loss or additional inquiries, producers should reach out to their local USDA Service Center.

Federal agencies are rushing to implement emergency measures against the New World screwworm, a dangerous parasite that poses a serious threat to America’s struggling cattle industry, even as staffing shortages and resource limitations raise questions about the government’s readiness.

An extensive outbreak of this pest could inflict billions of dollars in damage to the beef sector, which is already suffering from persistent drought conditions. With beef costs reaching near-record levels, the situation adds to Americans’ financial worries ahead of November’s midterm elections, where President Donald Trump’s Republican party battles to keep its narrow congressional majority.

Since early last year, the USDA has collaborated with animal health manufacturers, state livestock authorities, agricultural organizations and other federal departments to prepare for a possible screwworm invasion on U.S. soil, according to agency announcements and interviews conducted by Reuters.

However, the department now operates with 25% fewer animal health specialists compared to the beginning of Trump’s second term, following the departure of hundreds who accepted financial incentives as part of the administration’s previous federal workforce reduction initiative.

Preparatory efforts have encompassed expediting screwworm medications for livestock and companion animals, establishing a treatment reserve in Texas, and deploying additional personnel to confirmed case areas in Texas.

“We have been prepared and preparing since early last year for the re-emergence in America,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated Monday during a news conference in Kerrville, Texas, where she announced the USDA would release $100 million in funding ahead of schedule for innovative screwworm-fighting technologies.

Rollins informed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday that more than 100 agency employees are working full-time on screwworm issues. To date, the USDA has verified six screwworm incidents in Texas and New Mexico, impacting four cattle, one goat and one dog.

Several Texas cattle ranchers have expressed dissatisfaction with the USDA’s response efforts. Susan Storey, 62, who operates a ranch in La Salle County, criticized the agency’s public communication as inadequate for addressing her worries about the parasite’s potential spread.

“We just want more action,” she said.

Since September, the Food and Drug Administration has granted 12 emergency use permits or conditional approvals for screwworm medications as part of federal preparation efforts. Both approval types enable treatment use after companies submit safety and limited effectiveness data, bypassing the FDA’s complete review procedures.

This expedited process involved coordination between the FDA, USDA and Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees certain pesticides that might be deployed against screwworm, according to Jeff Simmons, CEO of animal health company Elanco.

Elanco has participated extensively in preparations, with two of the company’s fast-tracked medications being delivered to a USDA reserve facility in Texas, Simmons noted.

“It is something that we were preparing for, expecting — it was probably a matter of if, not when,” Simmons said.

The animal health division of biopharmaceutical company Merck has also collaborated closely with the USDA and Texas animal health authorities over the past year to prepare for potential screwworm incidents, receiving conditional FDA approval for its topical screwworm medication in December, said Justin Welsh, executive director of livestock technical services.

Welsh described the USDA response as proactive while anticipating additional cases will surface.

“It’s safe to say we’ll see it continue to spread, but hopefully very slowly,” Welsh said.

The USDA faces a critical shortage of sterile male flies, one of its primary weapons against screwworm flies. These sterile males mate with females, preventing reproduction. While the USDA is constructing a Texas facility to produce additional sterile flies, it won’t become operational until late 2027.

The department is currently utilizing 100 million sterile flies produced weekly at a Panama facility, though officials acknowledge millions more are required to effectively combat the pest.

“We don’t have enough (flies) to do the complete push, but we do have enough to manage … the growth of the development of it in Texas,” the USDA’s undersecretary for research, Scott Hutchins, explained at Monday’s news conference.

The agency has experienced a substantial decline in animal health response personnel since Trump’s second term began.

Data from the USDA’s Office of Inspector General shows that over 2,100 employees departed the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service between January and June 2025, representing approximately 25% turnover.

A coalition of Democratic senators addressed a Tuesday correspondence to Rollins and her deputy secretary, Stephen Vaden, warning that personnel reductions at APHIS and other USDA divisions could undermine the agency’s screwworm response capabilities.

“The reemergence of the New World screwworm in the U.S. highlights the urgent need to fully staff the USDA’s Services, which are on the frontlines of disease outbreak detection and rapid response to dangerous threats to agricultural security,” stated the letter from Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and 10 colleagues.

Rollins assured the Senate Agriculture Committee that reduced staffing levels have not impacted the agency’s screwworm response operations.

Veterinarians employed by APHIS play crucial roles in screwworm response by collaborating with local, state and federal officials to monitor and advise on suspicious cases while directing response efforts, explained Michael Bailey, a veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“We don’t have enough veterinarians in those public health areas to begin with, and anything that leads to them leaving the government, any area of government, is going to have a negative impact,” Bailey said.

DELMARVA — Wet growing conditions continue to challenge farmers nationwide with weed and disease pressure topping the management list. An Iowa producer told Brownfield yesterday that corn spraying is mostly wrapped up for the season with only potential fungicide applications remaining, but soybeans are keeping crews busy with ongoing herbicide work. The challenging moisture conditions are intensifying the battle against weeds and plant diseases during the growing season.

Markets

Soybeans rebounded yesterday, snapping an 8-day losing streak. Soybean oil and nearby meal contracts also posted gains. USDA flash sales data showed some positive activity, and traders are focused on today’s report from the department.

Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.60 a bushel for December delivery. Soybeans are $10.88 for November. Up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Triple M Farms is paying $5.08 for July corn and $11.10 for July beans.

Forecast

Patchy fog is clearing this morning with partly sunny skies developing. Temperatures will hit 88°F today with light west winds around 5 mph. A Heat Advisory is in effect through tomorrow evening. Tonight brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 73°F. Tomorrow looks sunny with a high near 89°F, but another round of scattered storms is possible tomorrow night.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 11, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

BANGKOK, June 11 – Before Thailand’s February general election, political candidates frequently visited farmers like 69-year-old rice grower Chaon Taiupok in Ayutthaya, located approximately 80 kilometers north of Bangkok.

“Once they won and formed the government, they disappeared,” said Chaon, who faces financial hardship as increasing fuel and fertilizer expenses caused by the Iran war, combined with declining rice prices, devastate agricultural workers.

Thailand’s retail diesel costs jumped over 60% at their highest point due to the conflict, while fertilizer expenses have climbed more than 30%.

“The government is not tackling the problem,” Chaon said.

Chaon’s frustration illustrates the mounting political danger facing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who secured an overwhelming electoral win with rural voter support but now confronts pressure as war-related price increases worsen Thailand’s agricultural debt emergency.

Just months into the four-year administration, public backing for Anutin’s government is already declining.

Approximately 57% of participants in a Suan Dusit University poll conducted in May reported having minimal or no confidence in the government’s capabilities, a dramatic shift from March when 68% of respondents expressed hope.

“The government will roll out further measures to support people and boost confidence in its work,” said deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan, noting that elevated oil costs driven by the war were outside the administration’s influence.

Thai farmers’ difficulties highlight the wider challenges affecting Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy, which has battled sluggish expansion.

Thailand has also fallen behind regional competitors since the pandemic due to its dependence on slowly recovering tourism while internal consumption stays weak, limited by elevated household debt. Almost 78% of May poll participants demanded immediate action regarding increasing living expenses.

‘CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE’

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has already characterized the circumstances as a “cost-of-living crisis,” recognizing the mounting pressure on regular families.

Nevertheless, following years of stimulus spending, the government’s budgetary policy choices are restricted, while inflation is expected to exceed the Bank of Thailand’s 1% to 3% target this year, as the central bank has maintained its primary interest rate at 1%.

Total household debt in Thailand reaches 86.7% of gross domestic product, ranking among Asia’s highest levels, showing weak income growth, previous easy credit access and economic disruptions, reducing government stimulus effectiveness.

To alleviate difficulties, Anutin’s government has implemented support programs and initiated a 176-billion-baht ($5.4 billion) consumer subsidy initiative, part of a broader 400-billion-baht borrowing measure facing legal opposition from rival parties.

Even focused government programs, including subsidies of roughly 1,000 baht ($30) per rai (0.16 hectares) for rice farmers, have barely countered rising fertilizer and fuel costs, as they fail to cover farmers’ expenses, said Pramote Charoensilp, president of the Thai Agriculturists Association.

“The pressure on the government is not just economic,” said Ngamprawan Ehsomnuk, dean at Suan Dusit University’s school of law and politics.

“It’s a crisis of confidence in whether the government can govern effectively.”

‘NOTHING LEFT BUT DEBT’

For many people, including 64-year-old Ayutthaya rice farmer Phayong Saengthong, the present circumstances seem impossible to overcome.

Following decades of agricultural work, Phayong owes over 1 million baht ($30,628) to creditors. The increasing fertilizer and fuel expenses, worsened by poor rice prices, created an additional 200,000 baht ($6,125) in losses following his recent harvest.

Thai rice values dropped last year, with export prices reaching an 18-year low, primarily because of abundant global supply and fierce competition from India.

“The debt is overwhelming,” Phayong said.

He faces this challenge alongside many others. Over half of the 3.73 million farm borrowers at the state-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives are caught in a “debt trap” they will probably not escape before retirement, according to an April report from the central bank’s research institute.

With official loans depleted, Phayong said he depends on suppliers to provide him credit.

“If they stop giving me goods on credit, I may have to stop growing rice,” he said, reflecting the concerns of many among the approximately 4.6 million rice farming households throughout rural Thailand who expected greater government aid.

“There are no clear measures to help farmers,” said Pramote, who intends to advocate for stronger support at a national rice policy board meeting on Thursday.

If paddy prices moved closer to 10,000 baht ($306) per ton, compared to approximately 7,800 currently, farmers might still discover an escape route, said Chaon, who cultivates 72 rai (11.5 hectares) of land in Ayutthaya and owes the state lender roughly half a million baht.

“With costs so high and rice prices so low, there’s nothing left but debt,” he said.

($1 = 32.81 baht)

DELMARVA — Livestock producers across the Delmarva Peninsula are being urged to increase surveillance of their animals following the detection of New World screwworm in the southern United States.

Dr. Dusty Oedekoven, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, emphasized that visual monitoring is the most critical tool for early detection of infestation. Farmers and even pet owners should step up their vigilance, with Oedekoven stressing that “the most important thing we can put on our animals now is our eyeballs.”

Markets

Agricultural commodities showed mixed results Wednesday. July corn closed at $4.19/bu, down $0.005. Soybeans performed better, with July contracts finishing at $11.23/bu, up $0.0925. July wheat in Chicago ended at $5.875/bu, climbing $0.0225.

Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is offering $4.64/bu for July delivery corn. Soybeans there are trading at $10.63/bu for July.

Forecast

A Heat Advisory remains in effect through Thursday evening. Wednesday afternoon temperatures reached 81°F with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Overnight lows are expected around 71°F with scattered storms possible.

Thursday will see temperatures climb to 89°F with partly sunny skies turning to thunderstorms by afternoon. Showers and storms are likely Thursday night with lows around 72°F.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 10, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The latest federal agricultural data shows positive growth trends in the nation’s poultry industry, with broiler production indicators rising across the board.

According to new statistics, the number of broiler-type eggs set throughout the United States has increased by 2 percent. Similarly, the placement of broiler-type chicks nationwide also climbed by 2 percent during the same period.

These figures suggest steady expansion in the country’s chicken meat production sector, which supplies a significant portion of protein consumed by American families.

Over 80 dairy industry board members and young farmers visited Capitol Hill today to lobby approximately 100 congressional offices during their yearly advocacy event, pushing for action on agricultural workforce issues and the recent reappearance of New World screwworm in America.

The Capitol Hill meetings followed the organization’s June board gathering on Tuesday, which featured presentations from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan discussing the agricultural economy and international trade environment.

“We know what we need to do,” stated NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud before the advocacy event began. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”

Additional priorities that organization members promoted during their congressional visits included:

• Securing passage of a comprehensive farm bill through Congress by 2026
• Preserving availability of all milk varieties in school nutrition programs
• Advancing the DAIRY PRIDE Act to protect milk labeling standards
• Encouraging legislators to pressure the administration to enhance dairy protections during USMCA trade agreement renewal.

The organization also announced the addition of Ted Vander Schaaf from Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold as a new board member and welcomed Illinois Farm Bureau as a new associate member.

The Young Cooperators program coordinated the congressional outreach effort. The group also conducted committee sessions and hosted an Artificial Intelligence workshop for cooperative leaders. Organization leadership will continue their meetings throughout the week, focusing on animal health and welfare alongside other critical industry matters.

June brings National Dairy Month, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy dairy products while recognizing the dedicated farmers who supply nutritious options to local communities.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia hosts 365 dairy operations where committed farmers tend to their cattle and generate fresh, top-quality milk daily. Each dairy cow typically yields approximately 8 gallons of milk per day.

Dairy items such as milk, yogurt and cheese contain vital nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamins A and D. Studies indicate that consuming dairy products may support bone strength, lower blood pressure and decrease the likelihood of specific chronic conditions, according to U.S. Dairy. The National Dairy Council has dubbed milk “Nature’s Sports Drink” due to its ability to help the body refuel, recover and rehydrate following physical activity.

This summer, savor nutritious dairy items by adding them to easy, tasty dishes like pizza bagels or a cooling tropical smoothie.

Want to know the source of your milk? Check whereismymilkfrom.com and input the code found on your dairy packaging.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels

½ cup cottage cheese
¼ cup pizza sauce
milk, if needed for thinning
2 bagels, sliced in half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
pinch Italian seasoning

Optional garnishes:

pepperoni
chopped spinach
diced bell peppers
diced ham

Heat oven to 400°.

In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese and pizza sauce until smooth. Add a splash of milk for a thinner sauce.

Place the bagel halves with the cut sides up on a baking sheet.

Spread a spoonful of blended cottage cheese pizza sauce on each bagel. Top with mozzarella, desired toppings and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Bake 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recipe courtesy of The Dairy Alliance

Tropical Smoothie

½ cup milk
½ cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 small banana, fresh or frozen
¼ cup diced fresh coconut
2 cups frozen mango chunks

Add milk, Greek yogurt, honey and lime juice to a blender. Top with banana and fresh coconut. Add the frozen mango and secure the lid.

Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then blend for a few more seconds.

Pour into glasses, and garnish with a slice of lime and fresh mint, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of U.S. Dairy

A senior executive from Dairy Farmers of America appeared before the House Committee on Agriculture today to advocate for strengthening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement during its upcoming review process. Michael Lichte, who serves as Chief Insights and Optimization Officer for the cooperative, represented both the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council in his testimony.

“Export demand now accounts for 17% of total U.S. milk production and has become one of the primary drivers of incremental growth across the dairy sector,” Lichte said. “For DFA and the U.S. dairy industry broadly, USMCA remains one of the most consequential trade agreements affecting long-term competitiveness, manufacturing investment, and farm-level economic stability. That’s why it’s essential that we strengthen and renew it.”

The executive emphasized that Mexico and Canada combined represent over 40% of total U.S. dairy export value. His congressional testimony centered on Canada’s management of dairy import quotas that he says restricts trade, along with that country’s efforts to bypass agreement rules on dairy protein exports. He also stressed the need to protect American exporters’ rights to use traditional cheese names such as “feta” in Mexican markets.

Regarding Canada specifically, Lichte presented data showing persistent shortfalls in agreed-upon dairy import quotas, with fill rates reaching only 64% for industrial cheese, 34% for fluid milk, and merely 7% for skim milk powder by 2025. He further outlined Canada’s increasing reliance on alternative classification systems to export surplus dairy proteins to American and international markets while avoiding the trade agreement’s protein export limits, a practice validated by a May 2026 U.S. International Trade Commission analysis.

“The underlying market distortions USMCA sought to discipline continue to affect U.S. manufacturers and global dairy protein markets,” Lichte added. “With appropriate enforcement and modernization, USMCA can continue supporting investment, export growth, and economic opportunity for the United States’ dairy farmers and processors for generations to come.”

DELMARVA — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for northern Delaware through Friday evening, with heat index values reaching 103°F. The advisory affects New Castle County from 11 AM Thursday through 8 PM Friday.

Livestock Management

Agricultural experts are recommending natural pest control strategies for summer cattle grazing as filth flies surge during warmer months. Specialists suggest relocating cattle to different areas, disrupting pasture environments, and applying both organic and synthetic deterrents to minimize production losses.

The Agriculture Secretary is traveling to Texas Monday to address a growing New World screwworm outbreak that poses risks to livestock throughout the United States.

Markets

Livestock contracts gained Tuesday at Chicago on limited supplies. August live cattle closed $2.97 higher at $239.70. August feeders rose $3.45 to $354.15.

For local cash grain, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel Delaware is offering $4.67 per bushel for July corn and $10.87 for November soybeans.

Forecast

Expect a high of 81°F Wednesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Thursday looks mostly sunny with a high of 87°F before a slight chance of storms develops. Heat and humidity will be significant through Friday.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 10, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Federal agricultural officials are moving forward with plans to update paperwork requirements related to egg imports and poultry exports in response to ongoing bird disease threats.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has announced its plans to seek revised approval for information collection procedures tied to regulations controlling table egg imports from areas where Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza may be present. The agency is also requesting an extension of current rules governing the export of poultry and hatching eggs from the United States.

This administrative action falls under the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates federal agencies to seek approval for information collection activities that affect the public.

Federal agricultural authorities are requesting public feedback on potential changes to regulations governing fresh pineapple imports from the Philippines and Thailand.

Officials have completed plant risk assessments and risk management studies related to bringing fresh pineapple fruit from these two countries into the United States for human consumption.

Under current rules, fresh pineapples from the Philippines can only enter Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the North Atlantic region of the United States. Meanwhile, Thai pineapple imports are permitted at all U.S. entry points except Hawaii, but must undergo irradiation treatment.

Plant protection agencies in both the Philippines and Thailand have requested APHIS to broaden import permissions, allowing all fresh pineapple varieties to enter through any U.S. port. Thailand has also asked for approval to ship fresh pineapples without requiring irradiation treatment.

The completed risk assessments examine potential threats from plant pests and invasive weeds that could accompany fresh pineapple shipments from these nations. The accompanying risk management documents outline proposed safety measures to address identified concerns.

Federal officials are now making these assessment and management documents available for public examination and comment.

A federal agency responsible for protecting American agriculture is seeking to modify its data collection procedures aimed at stopping foreign plant threats from entering the country.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has announced its plans to seek changes and an extension for approval of information gathering activities tied to rules designed to prevent foreign plant pests and diseases from being introduced or spreading throughout the United States.

This announcement follows requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which governs how federal agencies handle information collection from the public.

Mexico has suspended imports of most live animals from the United States following the confirmation of screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, according to an announcement from Mexico’s agriculture ministry on Tuesday.

The ban covers cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and multiple other animal species, the ministry announced. Officials said the decision was made in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Since November 2024, Mexico has documented over 28,200 screwworm cases. The country is working to safeguard its livestock populations in the northern states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Sinaloa, where no screwworm cases have been confirmed.

The United States has documented five screwworm cases beginning June 3.

DELMARVA — Rising fuel costs continue hitting Delmarva farmers hard, but tax refunds can help. Recent months brought significant fuel price increases, with agricultural producers experiencing some of the heaviest impacts. However, farmers can recover portions of fuel expenses through federal and state tax refund and credit programs.

The federal government charges 18.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.3 cents for diesel. Delaware imposes 23 cents per gallon on gasoline and 22 cents on special fuel. Maryland’s at 46 cents per gallon for gasoline and 46.75 for diesel. Virginia’s fuel taxes effective July 1 will be 32.6 cents for gasoline and 33.6 for diesel. Farmers can pursue refunds by filing IRS Form 4136 and state forms with detailed fuel use records.

Markets

Livestock futures closed higher on limited supplies. August live cattle finished $2.97 higher at $239.70. Feeders gained too, with August up $3.45 to $354.15. At Delmarva elevators, Laurel Grain Company is offering $4.65 a bushel for July corn and $10.54 for July soybeans.

Forecast

The region is holding at 73 degrees this afternoon under mostly cloudy skies. Wednesday brings a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms with highs reaching 81 degrees. That moisture could help wheat fields, though a Michigan State specialist advises cutting early when crops hit 17 to 20 percent moisture to preserve quality.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 9, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The Virginia Farm Bureau has released a video profile featuring Martha Moore, described as a dedicated advocate for the state’s agricultural community.

The video presentation focuses on Moore’s work supporting farming interests throughout Virginia, though specific details about her role and accomplishments were not immediately available in the brief profile.

The feature appears to be part of the Virginia Farm Bureau’s ongoing efforts to highlight individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector in the state.

A new video from the Virginia Farm Bureau highlights the specialized world of agricultural aviation, where pilots navigate aircraft mere feet above crop fields.

The video content explores aerial application methods used throughout Virginia’s farming operations, providing viewers with an inside look at this crucial aspect of modern agriculture.

The footage demonstrates how these low-altitude flights support farming practices across the state’s agricultural regions.

Five graduate students have been chosen by the National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors to receive funding through the 2026 NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program. The awards recognize students whose research work supports dairy cooperatives and producers.

The scholarship winners are:

Pari Baker, pursuing her doctorate at Case Western Reserve University in the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Molecular Virology Program. Baker’s work examines host factors that determine vulnerability to highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in mammary epithelial cells.

Haowen Hu, a doctoral student in Animal Science at Cornell University. Hu’s studies focus on improving whole-farm environmental modeling for U.S. dairy operations using model assessment and field-based improvements.

Gabriela Alejandra Macay Hernandez, working toward her doctorate in Animal Science at University of Florida. Her studies examine how semen components affect endometrial and oviductal responses and influence embryo development, fetal development, and postnatal offspring performance.

Vaishali Poswal, pursuing her doctorate in Dairy Manufacturing at South Dakota State University. Poswal studies environmental listeria persistence and biofilm formation in dairy microbial communities, plus creating an antimicrobial peptide bio-sanitizer for better control.

Jayden Scott, a master’s degree candidate in Food Science at Washington State University. Scott investigates how microbiome, proteolysis and flavor development relate in white cheddar cheese varieties.

“Congratulations to each recipient of this year’s NMPF scholarships,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud. “The dairy industry continues to reinvest in its future, securing academic research and development that is critical to advancing dairy’s mission. We are proud to support these dairy leaders in their educational pursuits.”

The scholarship winners were announced during the NMPF Board of Directors meeting in Arlington, VA, on June 9. Additional information about the NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship program is available on the scholarship website.

Federal agriculture officials are implementing emergency containment strategies to stop the expansion of a dangerous livestock parasite that has emerged in Texas.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has revealed new steps aimed at controlling the outbreak of New World screwworm, a parasite that poses significant threats to cattle and other livestock operations throughout the region.

The containment efforts come as agricultural authorities work urgently to prevent the parasite from spreading beyond its current location, which could have devastating impacts on the livestock industry.

DELMARVA — Iowa’s corn and soybean crops are leading the nation in quality according to USDA’s latest weekly progress report. 84% of Iowa’s corn is rated good to excellent, well ahead of the national average of 67%. A northeast Iowa farmer reported his corn has already reached knee-high levels.

Nationally, soybeans are 92% planted with 65% of the crop rated good to excellent.

Disease Alert

Agricultural specialists are urging Midwest soybean growers to watch for red crown rot this season. A Michigan State University plant pathologist says the disease has now been confirmed in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota as of last year and has expanded rapidly across the region. Farmers are being advised to conduct thorough plant inspections when they spot suspicious symptoms.

Markets

Soybeans closed lower Monday on fund and technical selling despite adequate rainfall benefiting crop development nationwide. Traders are focused on Thursday’s upcoming crop production report.

Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.62 a bushel for December delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are $10.83 for November.

Forecast

Mostly sunny skies are expected today with highs around 75° and light south winds. Wednesday will warm to 83° with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, June 9, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.