The Maryland Forest Service is working to help farmers and communities discover the hidden potential of native edible plants that grow naturally beneath forest canopies across the state.
Francis Smith, a natural resources planner with the Maryland Forest Service, is promoting agroforestry – the practice of deliberately combining trees and shrubs with traditional farming to boost productivity and create sustainable land use.
“There is an edible and medicinal understory below our forest canopy that offers benefits to landowners ranging from backyard gardeners and beekeepers to traditional farmers,” Smith said.
Smith recommends several native species for Maryland landowners, including common elderberry, beach plum, black chokeberry, serviceberry, pawpaw, American hazelnut, common persimmon, wild American plum, and high bush blueberry. Larger trees like black walnut, hickory, chestnut and maple can also be integrated. Even woody flowering plants such as red osier and winterberry can be harvested for craft materials.
These agroforestry approaches create new economic opportunities beyond traditional farming. The native plants can support emerging markets for specialty foods and distilled products, while opening additional revenue sources for property owners. Both rural and urban communities are exploring “food forests” to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce.
Learning from Indigenous Knowledge
Smith has witnessed growing interest in agroforestry during his seven years working in the field. He notes that much of the knowledge he’s gathering has been maintained and passed down by Native Americans for generations.
“To me, agroforestry is really just a scientific word for indigenous stewardship,” Smith said. “[Native Americans] were the original stewards before ‘stewardship’ was even a word.”
The White Marsh Park Edible Trail in Centreville serves as a demonstration site for these concepts. This experimental food forest showcases six native species: hazelnut, persimmon, American plum, black chokeberry, pawpaw and high bush blueberry. All produce edible fruit or nuts that park visitors can harvest for free.
Now in its seventh growing season, the demonstration forest has inspired culinary experimentation throughout Maryland, with student groups researching hazelnut oil production and nutritious chokeberry beverages.
“This is where I think Maryland’s range of native understory trees and shrubs that produce edible, healthy fruits and nuts could possibly serve as a steady supplemental income or farm marketing opportunity,” Smith explained. He added that food forests work well in large backyard gardens or as educational tools at schools.
Six Farming Applications
The Forest Service collaborates closely with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to promote agroforestry on farms and in communities. Smith outlined six specific practices that farmers can implement:
Windbreaks: Linear plantings of trees, shrubs, or grasses that shield soil, crops, and livestock from wind damage. “A working windbreak in agroforestry terms is just a windbreak that you would periodically harvest from,” Smith explained. “You can blend in fruit and nut-producing species that offer products for market while also providing wildlife habitat and pollinator support.”
Multifunctional riparian forest buffers: Trees and plants along waterways that filter pollutants and prevent erosion, enhanced with edible understory plants for additional harvests. “We’re using trees and shrubs along streams and waterways because these are living filters,” Smith said. “Blending in agroforestry species that produce fruits, nuts, and syrups can improve the land and our health while providing potential new markets for farmers seeking new sources of income.”
Alley cropping: Growing crops between tree rows to maximize land use. “We already plant in rows, so why not maximize land use to the benefit of landowners?” Smith asked. “You really want to actively work every layer of the land.”
Silvopasture: Integrating trees, forage, and livestock in the same area. “They’re basically raising livestock in between the tree rows, which provides spots of shade and additional fodder,” Smith explained.
Forest farming: Cultivating specialty crops under existing forest canopies. “Growing and harvesting plants such as cohosh, goldenseal, ramps or wild ginger is part of what’s known as forest farming,” he said.
Food Forests: Sustainable systems that replicate natural forests on smaller scales, typically featuring fruit or nut trees surrounded by shrubs, herbs, vines, and root crops.
While these methods require less maintenance than conventional crops, Smith emphasizes that planning is still essential. “When you’re planting, you need to consider the three W’s: weeds, wildlife, and water,” Smith explained. “You need a plan for how you are going to manage those, because that’s going to be the things you’re going to always, always battle.”
Looking Ahead
The first Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry Conference will be held in Pennsylvania this June, focusing on forest farming and multifunctional buffers. The conference will provide regional practitioners, landowners, farmers, and conservation professionals with insights into agroforestry practices, marketing strategies, and real-world case studies.
Smith continues working on the best methods to distribute harvests to the public, from simple pick-your-own operations to partnerships with food banks. He also helps organizations apply for grants to establish edible trails.
“We’re in the early stages but it seems to all be coming together at the same time,” Smith said.
Those interested in agroforestry can contact their local Maryland Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation District. Funding opportunities are available through the MDA’s Healthy Soils Competitive Fund, and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation can provide equipment funding for farmers and forest product companies.
National cheese inventory held in refrigerated storage facilities showed mixed trends at the end of March 2026, according to federal agricultural data.
Warehouses across the country reported natural cheese stockpiles that climbed 1 percent compared to February levels, though supplies remained 2 percent lower than the same period in 2025.
The monthly cold storage survey provides industry stakeholders with critical information about dairy product availability and market conditions nationwide.
Farmers nationwide experienced a significant boost in compensation for their peanut harvests during the week that concluded on April 18, according to new agricultural data.
The average payment to agricultural producers for farmer stock peanuts reached 23.2 cents per pound, marking an increase of 2.9 cents compared to the previous reporting period.
This price surge represents positive news for peanut growers who have been monitoring market conditions closely throughout the growing season.
The nation’s poultry industry is experiencing notable growth, with new federal statistics revealing a substantial increase in production volumes this year.
According to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, ready-to-cook weight has climbed 10 percent compared to the same period last year.
The increase demonstrates the continued expansion of poultry processing operations across the country as demand for chicken and other poultry products remains strong in the marketplace.
The USDA regularly tracks poultry slaughter statistics to monitor industry trends and production levels nationwide.
America’s cheese industry generated nearly 15 billion pounds of product during the past year, with Wisconsin maintaining its position as the nation’s dairy powerhouse, according to newly released federal agriculture statistics.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that nationwide cheese manufacturing, not including cottage cheese varieties, reached 14.8 billion pounds. Wisconsin claimed the top spot among all states, responsible for 24.6 percent of total production across the country.
The annual dairy summary provides insight into one of America’s most significant agricultural sectors, tracking production volumes and regional distribution patterns throughout the industry.
The Delaware Forest Service marked this year’s Arbor Day observance on Friday, emphasizing the crucial benefits that trees provide to communities across the First State.
This annual celebration takes place each year on April’s final Friday, drawing attention to how forests and trees contribute to cleaner air and water, provide essential wildlife habitats, build stronger communities, and improve overall quality of life for Delaware residents.
The Delaware Forest Service, operating under the Delaware Department of Agriculture, remains committed to promoting forest conservation and tree-related initiatives throughout the state.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2026 – Congressional representatives are divided over farm bill provisions that would address California’s Proposition 12, a state law requiring specific animal housing standards that affects pork producers across the nation.
More than 60,000 American pork producers are calling for congressional action to address what they describe as conflicting state regulations stemming from California’s ballot measure, which mandates housing requirements for animals whose products are sold in the state.
Agricultural leaders, veterinary professionals, the current administration, and elected officials from both political parties have voiced concerns about allowing individual states to regulate farming practices beyond their borders.
President Donald Trump stated:
“…Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution plainly states that Congress – not individual states – has the power to regulate commerce ‘among the several States.’ For many years, this provision has been understood to block efforts by individual states to regulate interstate trade in ways that are discriminatory or burdensome. I will use all authority under the Constitution and U.S. law to stop efforts by California – or other states – that hurt American farmers in other states…”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained that Prop. 12 “…is not just affecting California. It’s affecting multitudes of other states, multitudes of other parts of the ag community, including our hog family farms.”
“When those ideas, and those rules, and those laws begin to impact other states in such a negative way, that is not what our founders intended. That is not constitutional, and it is not OK,” Rollins continued.
“California has the right to do what California wants to do, but the minute that crosses the border and starts to compromise in such a significant way our pork producers, we need to act,” she added.
“This war against consumer choice and against our farmers forces Californians and those who receive those goods across the country to buy more expensive eggs and pork. California’s actions under Proposition 12 fly in the face of federal jurisdiction and regulation over food production and safety…”
Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noted:
“Every state has the right to regulate the activities of farmers within their state borders. Where there’s disagreement is whether states have the right or the ability to extend their view about how livestock should be raised to farmers in other states.”
“At some point in time, somebody’s got to provide some degree of consistency and clarity otherwise you’re just inviting 50 different states to do 50 different iterations of [Prop. 12]. Farmers don’t need the chaos; they need clarity and certainty.”
“If we don’t take this issue seriously, we’re going to have chaos in the marketplace.”
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden warned:
“This internal protectionism is what led to the demise of the Articles of Confederation. If one state can block products from another state, the country ceases to function as a unified national market.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) emphasized:
“Agriculture needs to stick together … to get this done.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) argued:
“California’s Proposition 12, along with Massachusetts’ Question 3, are based on arbitrary, nonsensical standards and have resulted in a harmful patchwork of regulations across the 50 states. They’re a threat to Iowa, which leads the nation in pork production, and to farmers and consumers across this country. Consistent with its authorities under the Commerce Clause, it’s time for Congress to solve this problem by passing legislation. Our bill will end California’s war on breakfast and make sure delicious Iowa pork can be sold everywhere.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) called “Proposition 12 is dangerous and arbitrary overregulation that stands in direct opposition to the livelihoods of Iowa pork producers, increases costs for both farmers and consumers, and jeopardizes our nation’s food security.”
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) said:
“The United States is constantly faced with non-tariff trade barriers from protectionist countries, which hurts American agriculture’s access to new markets. The last thing we need is for states like California imposing its will on ag-heavy states like Kansas with regulations that will also restrict our ability to trade among the states. Midwest farmers and ranchers who produce our nation’s food supply should not be hamstrung by coastal activist agendas that dictate production standards from hundreds of miles away.”
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) questioned:
“The data shows that both producers and consumers are facing significant cost increases due to Prop 12. It begs the question – if producers are paying more, and consumers are paying more, who is winning?”
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) acknowledged:
“Any true representative of farm country knows that Prop 12 is a concern for producers on both sides. We cannot ignore the questions and challenges Prop 12 raises. Even the Biden administration’s Ag Secretary said we need to treat this issue seriously to ensure stability in the marketplace. I agree that we cannot have 50 states with 50 different regulatory frameworks because of the significant challenges it would present to producers, but I believe that there are ways to avoid that situation.”
Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) noted:
“We have a substantial burden on our interstate commerce and the implications that this may have on the producers.”
Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) stressed:
“We need a long-term solution that does not disadvantage eastern North Carolina producers or others and potentially put some out of business. I work with anyone, to be clear, anyone on this committee to come up with that fix and a workable solution. But for us to not address this, I believe would be a fatal mistake–fatal mistake for our pork producers.”
Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL) observed:
“But this is where state rights—one state’s rights—run up against the rights of companies that reside and operate in other states. It runs up against their ability to make a living… Some decisions should be left to the states, who know their own agricultural realities best.”
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) declared:
“California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3 pose a major threat to family farms and food security—both in Iowa and across the country.”
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) criticized:
“For too long, Iowa’s hog farmers have faced growing uncertainty because of California’s egregious Proposition 12. This unfair mandate has imposed costly, unscientific regulations on pork producers across the country – even though California produces less than one-tenth of one percent of the nation’s hogs.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds commented:
“With Proposition 12, California has set out-of-touch, arbitrary requirements for how producers should operate their farming businesses. California activists now claim to know what’s best for the producers who have raised livestock from generation to generation.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed concerns:
“You also have the situation where a state like California could adopt something like Proposition 12, and that ends up having a devastating impact in Iowa because of the size of California’s market. I don’t think California should be able to dictate how people are producing pork. I mean, that’s just not good for the economy. It’s not the way the system was designed to work. And I want states to be able to make their own decisions, but when they’re trying to do things that have an effect outside their state, well, that’s a different beast there. And I think what they’ve done — they do these initiatives, people don’t even know what they’re voting on. They have no sense of how that would impact people who are actually in the industry. It’s just kind of a thing that someone gets on the ballot, it sounds good, so they do it. That is not the way you do policy, particularly. And you don’t want any industry, agriculture or others, to be at the mercy of the whims of the state like California, like that is just not going to work for this country.”
Veterinary organizations have also weighed in on the scientific basis of the regulations.
The American Veterinary Medical Association stated:
“The arbitrary housing requirements in Prop 12 do not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.”
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians concluded:
“The ballot initiative does not objectively improve animal welfare. In fact, in some cases, it may compromise animal welfare.”
Even California’s own agricultural department has raised questions about the scientific foundation of the law.
California’s Department of Food and Agriculture determined:
“Animal confinement space allowances prescribed in the Act are not based in specific peer-reviewed published scientific literature or accepted as standards within the scientific community to reduce human food-borne illness, promote worker safety, the environment, or other human or safety concerns.”
Business leaders have highlighted the economic impact on communities.
Ruben Guerra, Latin Business Association Chairman, explained:
“The impacts of Proposition 12 are devastating our Latino businesses and families across California. With pork prices soaring up to 41% higher than the rest of the country and more than one in three Latino adults already living in food-insecure households, this misguided law is creating unintended food insecurity in our communities.”
Lilly Rocha, Latino Restaurant Association Executive Director, questioned:
“It would be one thing if the regulations imposed on pork producers were based on data and scientific research. But it’s not. We’ve had a great pork industry forever. Why do we need to change a good thing all of a sudden? It makes no sense. It seems to be regulation stemming from a social agenda, not a scientific one.”
Additionally, multiple agricultural organizations representing millions of farmers nationwide have written to Congress requesting action to address the regulatory conflicts created by Proposition 12.
HARRISONBURG, Va. — From multi-generational farming families to agricultural newcomers, female farmers across Virginia are creating meaningful change in their local communities.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program made history at their annual gathering by breaking from tradition. Instead of selecting just one recipient for their yearly “Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman” award, which recognizes contributions to farming enterprises, agricultural businesses, or rural leadership, they chose to honor exceptional women from every single district.
The decision came as the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, an initiative aimed at showcasing women’s vital roles in food systems, agricultural commerce, and improving family welfare. The VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee marked this milestone by celebrating female farmers from all 14 organizational districts during their April 11 gathering in Harrisonburg.
“We thought it fitting to honor more than just one distinguished farmer this year,” said keynote speaker Kiah Twisselman Burchett, a ranch girl-turned-motivational-speaker called Coach Kiah. “We’ve had so many incredible women making a difference in agriculture every day.”
According to Faye Hundley, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, these women serve diverse functions within agriculture.
“These remarkable ladies are leaders, educators and advocates,” she said. “And true champions of the farm!”
Each 2026 Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman recipient earned an all-expenses-paid journey to the upcoming American Farm Bureau Federation Convention scheduled for January in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The nominees were all surprised to be honored,” said Christy Murphy, VFBF Women’s Leadership coordinator. “They expected only one of them to be selected Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman.”
The honorees include:
DISTRICT 1 — Cindy Mullins of Wise County represents fourth-generation farming traditions while raising her daughter using the same hands-on methods, demonstrating dedication to agricultural success in rural Wise County.
DISTRICT 2 — Kristy Waller of Smyth County operates as a first-generation dairy farmer while managing livestock for beef and pork production, marketed through their family business, The Farmhouse Market.
DISTRICT 3 — Sheila Newman of Carroll County manages a cow-calf enterprise while championing agricultural heritage preservation. Newman played a key role in establishing the Carroll County Special Assessment Land Program and supports area producers via the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market.
DISTRICT 4 — Monica Bowman of Franklin County continues third-generation dairy farming while advocating for agriculture through Agriculture Literacy Week activities and farm safety event coordination. Bowman participates on her Farm Bureau board, various subcommittees, and the county’s Ag Development Committee.
DISTRICT 5 — Elaine Martin of Augusta County operates a direct-sales beef enterprise and recognizes public knowledge gaps about food origins. She builds community connections by sharing personal farming experiences.
DISTRICT 6 — Kayla Lawrence of Frederick County helps manage Richard’s Fruit Market, a fifth-generation diversified agricultural operation. Lawrence has spearheaded award-winning agritourism programs that promote rural tourism in Frederick County.
DISTRICT 7 — Helen Taylor of Prince William–Fairfax County serves as a veteran women’s leader and WLC project supporter, ensuring agricultural education, community outreach, and literacy programs create lasting multigenerational impact.
DISTRICT 8 — Cheryl Falvella of Fluvanna County builds local agricultural interest through various educational and artistic programs, including the “Soil your Undies” decomposition experiment that teaches soil health concepts. She also conducts barn quilt painting workshops that benefit youth organizations.
DISTRICT 9 — Karen Jones of Chesterfield County has dedicated over two decades to women’s committee service. The retired educator advocates for agricultural learning with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for welcoming Farm Bureau newcomers.
DISTRICT 10 — Katie Hammock of Pittsylvania County works as a nurse while earning recognition as “The Dairy Wife.” Her firsthand experience with farming injuries motivated her safety advocacy work, including statewide workshop presentations and Farm Bureau first aid kit development.
DISTRICT 11 — Katrina Wells of Lunenburg County cultivates flower fields at Lunenburg Lavender. Her lavender farming and bath product creation has evolved into a passionate venture that allows agricultural storytelling with visitors.
DISTRICT 12 — Stacy Richardson of King & Queen County works in real estate while integrating agricultural education into client property tours, helping them appreciate farmland value and local agricultural significance. Her family farm hosts an Ag Day event that builds community farming awareness.
DISTRICT 13 — Stephanie Ripchick of New Kent County welcomes school groups and community members to her seasonal farm operation, providing agricultural experiences that expand farming knowledge and strengthen farmer-consumer relationships.
DISTRICT 14 — Roxanne Stonecypher of Chesapeake-Virginia Beach leads efforts that have enhanced local agricultural programming, expanded Farm Bureau participation, and increased WLC initiative visibility. She has been essential to locally-based farm projects that received national recognition.
Other nominees included Aimee Adams of Charlotte County; Sandra Heath of Patrick County; Cheyenne Rhodes of Shenandoah County; Ashley Fisher of Tazewell County; and Shawn Carr of Isle of Wight County.
“And we had a couple nominees who withdrew their names,” Murphy added. “They said they didn’t feel worthy of the honor.”
The Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program participants advance agriculture, the state’s primary industry, through community education initiatives, local outreach activities, and Farm Bureau policy advocacy.
For additional information, contact Christy Murphy, women’s leadership program coordinator, at 804-290-1031.
A Virginia high school senior’s mission to connect consumers with agricultural producers has earned her statewide recognition from the Farm Bureau.
Savannah Jones from Appomattox County High School received the title of 2026 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador during the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference held in Harrisonburg.
According to Faye Hundley, chair of VFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee, this honor celebrates young people’s agricultural accomplishments and gives them a platform to represent Farm Bureau and Virginia’s top industry.
Jones, who comes from four generations of farming families and participates actively in FFA and 4-H organizations, intends to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science before becoming a veterinarian specializing in large animals.
During her conference presentation, Jones highlighted a startling statistic: “Did you know that 7% of Americans believe that chocolate milk comes from a brown cow? While that doesn’t seem like much, it equates to 23 million people.”
Given that most Americans are now three generations away from farming life, Jones proposes creating agricultural education packages for schools. These resources would feature brief 10-20 minute lessons, interactive components, spotlights on Virginia agricultural products, and educational videos.
Her plan also includes establishing year-round virtual farm partnerships with elementary students. Using photographs, video content, and live question-and-answer sessions, this program would link “students to real Virginia agriculture” while giving farmers chances to tell their stories.
“These activities will introduce consumers to what farmers are doing and why they’re doing it, as well as highlight the deep passion and love agriculturalists have for growing crops and raising livestock,” Jones explained.
Jones has taken on leadership positions within her school’s FFA chapter, worked as a 4-H Youth Livestock State Ambassador, and participates in the Appomattox Student Internship Program. She credits these youth organizations with influencing her career direction.
“Our youth are the next generation of agriculture supporters, and we must start there to invoke change,” Jones said. “I hope to sow a seed for a love of ag that will blossom as they grow.”
Jones received a $2,000 monetary prize provided by Colonial Farm Credit and Farm Bureau.
Second place went to Mindi Burch from Shenandoah County, who holds an MBA from Perdue University Global. Along with her husband Ben, she operates Corner Market Farm to Table, works as an EMT with Augusta County Fire and Rescue, and teaches part-time at Bridgewater College. She earned a $500 cash award.
Members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program promote agriculture, the state’s biggest industry, by conducting community education programs, local outreach projects, and advocating for Farm Bureau policies.
VFBF represents Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy organization with nearly 137,000 members across 88 county Farm Bureaus. The organization operates as a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary group dedicated to supporting Virginia’s agricultural sector.
For more information, contact Christy Murphy, Women’s Leadership Program coordinator, at 804-584-6210.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 24, 2026
DELMARVA — Grape growers across Delmarva are counting losses after 2 consecutive nights of freezing temperatures delivered a devastating blow to vineyards this week. Winery operators are reporting extensive damage to grape crops, with early assessments suggesting lasting effects on regional wine production.
Agricultural experts say the timing was particularly damaging, as many vineyards were in vulnerable growth stages when the freeze struck. The impact extends beyond individual farms, raising concerns about the broader regional wine industry that has grown significantly in recent years.
Markets
Grain futures showed mixed results Thursday. Wheat prices jumped on drought concerns and rising input costs, while soybeans dropped on profit-taking and technical selling.
At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn for May delivery is bringing $5.06 a bushel. December corn is at $5.00 even. Soybeans for May are at $11.23, and November beans are bringing $11.06.
Livestock
Poultry producers are being urged to strengthen pest control practices. Dr. Alissa Welsher with Elanco Animal Health says effective management starts with proper facility maintenance, including picking up organic material, cleaning feed spillage, and drying up standing water.
Forecast
Expect mostly sunny skies Friday with a high near 66°F. There’s a slight chance of rain showers late this afternoon. East winds 5 to 15 miles per hour. Tonight brings a chance of light rain with lows around 49°F. Rain becomes likely Saturday with a high near 56°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 24, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 23, 2026
DELMARVA — Fertilizer costs reached a 4-year high today as ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up farming expenses. David Widmar from Agricultural Economic Insights warned that prolonged conflict in Iran could push costs even higher for growers across the country.
The urea price spike has disrupted traditional fertilizer market patterns. Widmar said surging urea has created a price gap between urea and anhydrous ammonia. Usually, anhydrous has a $16 per acre advantage, but that spread has shifted significantly from historical norms. The escalating costs come at a challenging time for agricultural producers already dealing with various economic pressures.
Personnel
The Delaware Farm Bureau announced today that Noah Dixon from Felton has joined the organization as their new Agriculture Literacy Coordinator. Dixon will advance educational initiatives and advocacy efforts that benefit farming families and consumers throughout the state.
He will create educational resources, organize school and community programs, and foster relationships between agricultural producers and educational institutions statewide. Dixon previously interned with the Delaware Farm Bureau and served 2 years as a Delaware State FFA Officer.
Markets
Soybeans dropped today on profit-taking and technical selling. Corn at Laurel Grain Company is bringing $5.06 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are $11.20 for May.
Forecast
Sunshine continues this afternoon with 71 degrees. Tomorrow looks mostly sunny with a high near 65 before rain chances return tomorrow night.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 23, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Odessa High School’s FFA and Agriscience Team has secured the Delaware Envirothon Championship title for the second consecutive year, marking another victory in the state’s premier environmental education competition.
The championship took place at Sussex Academy, where teams from across Delaware competed in this year’s event. The 2026 competition represents a significant milestone, marking three decades of the Envirothon program in Delaware.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control sponsors this educational competition, which welcomes participation from high school students throughout the state. The program challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management.
This back-to-back championship demonstrates the continued excellence of Odessa High School’s environmental science program and their students’ dedication to understanding natural resource conservation.
The nation’s commercial red meat industry has experienced a 2 percent increase in production compared to the previous year, according to new data from federal agricultural officials.
The latest livestock slaughter statistics reveal continued growth in the red meat sector, indicating steady demand and production capacity across American agricultural operations.
This upward trend in meat production reflects the ongoing strength of the country’s livestock industry and its ability to meet consumer demand for red meat products.
The American Soybean Association operates as a producer-driven organization, relying on farming volunteers who serve as board members and guide emerging agricultural leaders.
Behind each agricultural policy victory lies extensive work and numerous individuals consistently championing soybean producers. The ASA’s governing documents establish specialized advocacy teams to help distribute responsibilities and enhance focus among soy leaders. These teams monitor policy developments, create advocacy strategies, and provide guidance in targeted policy areas. ASA directors chair each advocacy team.
FARM POLICY ADVOCACY TEAM
The Farm Policy team tackles economic sustainability and financial services matters. ASA Director Geoff Ruth from Rising City, Nebraska, chairs this team. Ruth represents a seventh-generation farming family, cultivating soybeans, corn, and cover crop rye. His leadership experience spans multiple boards, including the Shelby-Rising City Public School Board of Education, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Farm Service Agency, and various local community committees.
When asked about his 2026 priorities as team chair, Ruth emphasized the urgency of current challenges.
“There is no shortage of issues facing soybean farmers and agriculture as a whole in 2026. It is important for me as chair of the Farm Policy Advocacy Team to stay engaged and focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie before us in the soybean industry,” Ruth said. “At the top of the list of priorities is encouraging Congress to pass a farm bill. We are long overdue for an updated farm bill, and continued extensions of the previous farm bills are not the security and stabilization that agriculture needs in these uncertain times.”
Ruth noted that issues evolve rapidly, sometimes changing by the minute, making timely evaluation and response crucial for their advocacy team.
Regarding his motivation for leadership, Ruth expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“It is an honor to serve as chair of the Farm Policy AT. I have always enjoyed serving people, whether that be as the current president of my local board of education, church council leadership, Nebraska Soybean Association, the Farm Service Agency as a member of the State Board, or even as a youth basketball/football/softball coach,” Ruth explained.
He advised aspiring leaders to embrace difficult challenges. “For those who have an interest in leadership, be willing to do the hard thing. Saying ‘yes’ and being outside your comfort zone is one of the hardest first steps when it comes to leadership,” Ruth said.
CONSERVATION & PRECISION AG ADVOCACY TEAM
The Conservation & Precision Ag team handles conservation, agricultural technology, checkoff and research, soy foods and nutrition, biobased consumer products, livestock, and labor issues. ASA Director Denise Scarborough from LaCrosse, Indiana, leads this team. She farms with her husband Mark, producing soybeans, commercial corn, seed corn, and wheat. The couple also operates an excavating business, and Scarborough works as a commercial and agricultural lender at First National Bank of Monterey.
Scarborough’s involvement includes Indiana Farm Bureau service at local, state, and national levels, plus volunteering with 4-H, Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching, youth sports, and her church. She has served as an Indiana Soybean Alliance director since 2017.
Discussing her 2026 goals, Scarborough emphasized shifting from reactive to proactive approaches.
“I think some of the personal goals are to be proactive instead of reactive. When President Trump took office for the second time, we didn’t know what to fully expect, and it caused us to be reactive to what was happening,” Scarborough said. “When the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report came out, we didn’t imagine that we would have to defend the soybean as much as we are.”
She highlighted Indiana’s position as the leading high oleic soybean producer and the unexpected need to defend healthy soybeans against ultra-processed food concerns.
BIOFUELS & INFRASTRUCTURE ADVOCACY TEAM
The Biofuels & Infrastructure team focuses on energy policies related to biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, plus infrastructure matters involving ocean shipping, inland waterways, railways, roads, broadband, and industrial biobased products. ASA Director Drew Peterson from Salem, South Dakota, chairs this team. Peterson represents a fifth-generation farming family, raising soybeans and corn while operating a cow-calf and cattle feeding business with his father Steve, alongside his wife Lauren and their two children.
Peterson joined the South Dakota Soybean Association as a Corteva Young Leader in 2019, served as board vice president for three years, participates in the South Dakota Ag Foundation, and has been a state legislator for four years.
“Coming into 2026, my main goal was to get finalized Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) guidance in place,” Peterson said. “Not only would this certainty be good for soybean producers, but it will also help our country with energy security in a volatile geopolitical climate across the globe.”
Peterson emphasized infrastructure investment needs. “Continued investment in inland waterways and rail improvements are needed to keep our transportation infrastructure resilient, no matter where our whole bean and soybean byproducts need to be transported,” he said.
REGULATORY ADVOCACY TEAM
The Regulatory team addresses biotechnology, crop protection, pesticidal tools, and other regulatory activities. ASA Director Andrew Moore from Dalton, Georgia, chairs this team. Moore farms with his father and uncle in Northwest Georgia, using double crop production to raise nine different row crops or cereal grains on a five-year rotation. In 2008, they added value through vertical integration, constructing an Expeller Press™ oilseed processing facility and pellet mill for manufacturing animal feeds.
Moore’s 2026 priorities focus on strengthening advocacy capabilities.
“As chair of the advocacy team in 2026, my priorities are to further strengthen our soy team members’ capacity to advocate effectively on near-term regulatory issues impacting soy farmers,” Moore said. “This includes identifying and defining emerging regulatory challenges that are moving through the pipeline and are likely to affect farmers in the future.”
He stressed the importance of farmer participation. “Getting involved matters because participation makes our voices stronger and ensures they are heard,” Moore said.
TRADE POLICY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ADVOCACY TEAM
The Trade Policy & International Affairs team handles trade, market access, tariff and non-tariff barriers, international food aid, aquaculture, federal grain standards, fertilizer, and tax issues. ASA Director Josh Gackle from Kulm, North Dakota, chairs this team. He farms 2,800 acres of soybeans while also producing corn, wheat, and barley. Gackle began ASA board service in late 2017, served as ASA president in 2024, and has been active with the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association board and committees. He also serves on the Kulm City Council.
“TPIA plays a key role in maintaining and increasing existing demand and building new demand for U.S. soybean farmers’ international markets,” Gackle said. “The AT works closely with the state soybean associations, WISHH, USSEC, and USB to build on these priorities.”
Gackle emphasized the organization’s broader impact. “ASA is one of the most impactful organizations when it comes to government policy that affects our farm and business operations. There is power in numbers, and our organizations make sure our voice as farmers and rural America are heard by decision makers at the local, state, and national level,” he said.
A federal agriculture program has opened new international markets for American soybean producers by transforming Cambodia’s fish farming industry and creating lasting demand for U.S. soy products.
The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program, working through the USDA’s Food for Progress initiative, recently completed its Commercialization of Aquaculture for Sustainable Trade project in Cambodia. The program focused on strengthening the Southeast Asian nation’s fish farming sector while establishing commercial relationships that boost demand for American soybean meal.
The initiative targeted Cambodia’s heavy reliance on fish protein, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of the country’s protein consumption. Program organizers identified an opportunity to connect improved fish farming methods with increased use of U.S. soy-based feeds.
Training sessions taught fish farmers more systematic feeding methods, improved pond design techniques, and strategies to boost production while minimizing fish mortality. These enhancements enabled farmers to achieve superior growth rates and operational efficiency while demonstrating the benefits of premium feeds containing soybean meal.
The program also brought innovative equipment to Cambodia. Solar-powered drying structures helped minimize food waste by protecting fish from weather conditions and contamination risks that typically occur when products are dried outdoors on tables. The technology proved especially valuable during Cambodia’s monsoon season. Additional improvements included floating cage systems and specialized pond raceways that enhanced fish health and operational efficiency.
Ten feed distribution companies received training in modern aquaculture methods, with emphasis on how quality feeds improve fish performance. The project also supported the creation of the Cambodian Aquaculturist Association, which now connects over 1,300 producers, feed manufacturers, and industry partners to promote advanced farming practices and sector cooperation.
The training programs produced measurable results in industry standards. Before the project began, only approximately 3% of fish producers had earned Good Aquaculture Practices certification, which allows access to premium markets. Following the program’s implementation, that percentage jumped to 51%, with 63 producers obtaining the valuable certification.
The initiative also developed institutional markets for fish products through collaboration with the USDA McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, managed by the World Food Programme and partner organizations. Government purchases of fish for school meal programs are establishing sustainable markets for aquaculture production, which reinforces demand for the quality feeds necessary to support continued growth.
Feed manufacturers now purchasing U.S. soy have become important players in Cambodia’s agricultural sector. Companies like AgriMaster Feed Mill are buying American soybean meal to produce feeds distributed throughout Cambodia. Another major producer, M’s PIG, has expanded into aquaculture while increasing its feed manufacturing capacity, demonstrating the expanding opportunities across Cambodia’s livestock and feed sectors.
“Projects like CAST show how strategic partnerships can build lasting markets for U.S. soybean farmers,” said WISHH Executive Director Gena Perry. “By helping farmers and feed companies adopt better practices and high-quality feeds, we’re creating demand that benefits producers overseas and soybean growers here at home.”
The organization’s efforts are now expanding into additional sectors within Cambodia. Kirisu Dairy, the country’s first modern dairy operation, utilizes 120 tons of soybean meal annually to feed its dairy cattle. Similar to the aquaculture sector’s development, as Cambodia’s milk consumption increases, its dependence on U.S. soy for dairy feed may expand accordingly. The program has already collaborated with employee Senghong Khlit to provide expertise in feed management and quality standards.
With continued funding from USDA programs and soybean industry investments, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health continues working with Cambodian aquaculture, dairy, and poultry industry leaders to expand production capabilities, improve feed systems, and strengthen commercial relationships for U.S. soy products.
Agricultural leaders from the American Soybean Association are venturing beyond their home farms to explore international markets, gaining fresh insights into the global impact of their crops. Through partnerships with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, these farmer-directors are connecting directly with overseas customers, observing their products being utilized, and establishing relationships that extend well past their local operations.
These international missions involve face-to-face meetings with foreign buyers, facility tours, and participation in worldwide agricultural events, bringing the complete soybean supply chain into focus for participating farmers. The experiences go beyond simple travel, demonstrating the vital link between American agricultural operations and international market needs.
These opportunities allow farmers to tell their production story while developing better understanding of the customers and markets that depend on their crops. Many participants find these trips serve as compelling evidence that their local farming efforts have significant global impact.
Michigan Farmer Attends Tokyo Sustainability Conference
Janna Fritz from Michigan took part in Tokyo’s Soy Sustainability Symposium, where international partners convened to examine sustainability practices, innovation developments, and soybean industry trends. Her participation allowed her to demonstrate how American farmers are adapting to changing market demands while continuing to provide superior, environmentally responsible products to worldwide customers.
Illinois Producer Joins Indonesia Trade Mission
Ryan Frieders from Illinois joined a USDA-organized Agricultural Trade Mission to Jakarta alongside the U.S. Soybean Export Council, meeting with buyers and industry executives in a crucial Southeast Asian growth market. His visit concentrated on building stronger partnerships and demonstrating the benefits of American soybeans through direct discussions with regional business partners.
North Dakota Director Travels to Thailand Conference
Justin Sherlock from North Dakota journeyed throughout Asia with the Export Council, connecting with customers and industry representatives from over 20 nations during Bangkok’s Southeast Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference. His experience highlighted the significance of relationship building, customer need assessment, and promoting the advantages American soybeans offer in international markets.
“What really sets U.S. soy apart is that when customers buy from us, they’re not just buying a commodity – they’re buying a partnership and a support system,” Sherlock said.
Illinois Farmer Visits Middle East Markets
Scott Gaffner from Illinois traveled to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with both the Export Council and American Soybean Association, working with partners to enhance relationships and explore new opportunities for American soybeans. His visits demonstrated the strength of established markets like Pakistan while revealing growth possibilities in developing markets such as Saudi Arabia, where demand for U.S. soybeans continues expanding.
“These in-person engagements matter because they build trust, reinforce the value of U.S. farmers in global markets, and open doors for expanded demand that ultimately benefits producers back home,” Gaffner explained.
Agricultural technology is experiencing a groundbreaking transformation as scientists harness the power of gene editing to revolutionize soybean cultivation, according to industry experts.
For centuries, farmers have depended on improved seeds to maintain productivity amid changing environmental conditions. From early plant breeding methods to contemporary techniques, each advancement has helped reduce risks, safeguard harvests, and optimize resource utilization. Currently, gene editing stands as one of the most significant breakthroughs in breeding technology, offering a biological solution that can deliver improvements with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
The most sophisticated and widely recognized gene editing technology is the CRISPR-Cas system, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. This revolutionary tool enables researchers to make incredibly precise modifications to plant and animal genetic material. Functioning like molecular scissors equipped with a genetic guidance system, CRISPR-Cas technology locates specific sections within a plant’s DNA and creates targeted cuts. This process activates the plant’s inherent repair mechanisms, which can then be utilized to generate a variety of desired modifications.
Scientists often compare CRISPR-Cas to a word processing program for genetic material. Researchers can now remove or substitute individual components within the genetic blueprint. Importantly, this technique operates within the plant’s existing natural DNA structure, serving as a breeding enhancement tool that works alongside traditional breeding methods and other biotechnologies.
Thanks to major technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and genetic research working together, gene editing can now achieve results that previously required up to ten years to accomplish. The modifications created through CRISPR-Cas technology mirror changes that might happen naturally or through standard breeding practices—but with greater speed and precision. Certain genes can be deactivated, while others can be enhanced, reduced, or improved in their performance.
However, maximizing seed potential requires more than scientific innovation alone. As an internationally traded product, grain must comply with specific regulations established by each importing country. The seed industry promotes worldwide regulations grounded in solid scientific evidence that foster innovation by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens. Significant advancement is occurring, with increasing numbers of countries acknowledging gene editing as an innovative breeding method that should be exempt from restrictive GMO regulations, instead choosing a regulatory consultation approach.
Looking forward, farmers face mounting pressure to increase production while using fewer resources. Although no single solution exists, gene editing represents a significant advancement, combining thousands of years of breeding expertise with modern tools and capabilities designed to address current agricultural challenges. This new generation of seed innovations will deliver enhanced performance, improved efficiency, and greater durability in an increasingly challenging farming landscape.
The Evolution of Plant Breeding
Gene editing marks a critical advancement in the 12,000-year evolution of plant breeding. Understanding the significance of this technology requires examining its historical foundation.
First Generation Breeding: Humans selected and crossbred plants with desirable characteristics they preferred. This informal method—while effective, was extremely slow and labor-intensive—spanned the initial 10,000 years of breeding history.
Second Generation Breeding: Following Gregor Mendel’s breakthrough discovery of genetic inheritance laws in the late 1800s, humans began enhancing selection methods through statistical analysis and controlled experiments. This research ultimately resulted in breeder Norman Borlaug earning the Nobel Peace Prize for boosting wheat production by 70%.
Third Generation Breeding: After scientists understood DNA’s structure, breeders began incorporating genetic and genomic information to support and accelerate breeding choices. Genetic markers provided the capability to identify desirable traits and forecast the genetic potential of untested plant groups.
Fourth Generation Breeding: Currently, the combination of artificial intelligence, genomics, and gene editing enables scientists to comprehend and tackle some of the most complex aspects of crop systems—creating opportunities for substantial beneficial improvements.
A Delaware farmer has earned national recognition for his commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
James “Jay” Baxter received the 2026 Northeast Regional Conservation Legacy Award from the American Soybean Association at the recent Commodity Classic conference. The honor celebrates farmers who demonstrate excellence in protecting natural resources while maintaining productive operations.
Baxter was one of four regional winners selected from across the United States, with Tennessee farmer Alex Forsbach taking home the top national prize.
The Delaware farmer’s recognition comes from his dedication to practices that protect water quality in his community. Baxter employs no-till farming methods, plants cover crops, and carefully manages nutrients to prevent runoff from reaching local waterways.
“This isn’t just about our farm, it’s about our community and the resources we all share,” Baxter explained during the awards ceremony.
His farming philosophy extends beyond immediate productivity gains to long-term environmental responsibility.
“At the end of the day, we want to leave this land better than we found it,” he stated.
Baxter’s approach reflects the unique challenges faced by farmers in Delaware, where agricultural decisions directly impact surrounding communities and shared natural resources.
The national winner, Alex Forsbach from Tennessee, has dedicated more than ten years to developing conservation systems based on patience and consistency. His operation focuses on no-till practices and cover crops, which have gradually improved his soil’s organic matter, structure, and ability to retain moisture.
“It doesn’t happen overnight,” Forsbach noted. “You have to stay consistent and trust the process.”
As the top honoree, Forsbach emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing among farmers.
“If we want to keep farming strong into the future, we have to be willing to learn and help others along the way,” he said.
The other regional winners included Lewis Unruh from Kansas, who won the Midwest Regional Award, and Jon and Cathy Nelson from South Dakota, who captured the Upper Midwest Regional Award.
Unruh continues a family tradition of conservation that began with contour farming to prevent erosion. His current operation incorporates no-till methods, cover crops, and enhanced water management systems.
“We’ve always believed that if you take care of the soil, it will take care of you,” Unruh shared.
The Nelson family from South Dakota built their award-winning operation on adaptability and continuous learning. Their farm features no-till practices, varied crop rotations, and techniques specifically designed to build soil health over time.
“You have to be willing to try things, learn from them, and keep adapting,” Jon Nelson explained.
The couple also believes in sharing successful practices with other farmers. “If something works for us, we want to share it,” Cathy Nelson said. “That’s how agriculture moves forward.”
The Conservation Legacy Awards program was established to honor farmers who enhance their operations while safeguarding the natural resources essential to their success. The American Soybean Association runs the program with support from industry partners including BASF, Bayer, Nutrien, Valent USA, and the United Soybean Board through soy checkoff funding.
A national committee comprising farmers, conservation experts, agronomists, and natural resource professionals evaluates all applications. Each year, the program recognizes regional leaders and selects one national winner whose operation exemplifies conservation excellence.
Common practices among all winning operations include prioritizing soil health through no-till farming and cover crops that prevent erosion and enhance soil structure. Water management remains crucial, whether through contour farming or careful nutrient application. Precision technology helps farmers apply inputs more efficiently.
Beyond specific techniques, these farmers share a mindset focused on building systems that improve over time.
As agriculture confronts challenges including narrow profit margins, increasing input costs, and growing sustainability expectations, these award winners deliver an important message: conservation practices complement rather than compete with productivity goals.
For the 2026 Conservation Legacy Award recipients, recognition at Commodity Classic represents a significant achievement. However, their real work continues in their fields, season after season, as they demonstrate that environmental stewardship forms the foundation of agriculture’s future.
The Delaware Farm Bureau has brought Noah Dixon from Felton aboard as their new Agriculture Literacy Coordinator.
Dixon’s responsibilities will include advancing the organization’s goals of supporting and safeguarding Delaware’s agricultural sector through educational initiatives and advocacy efforts that benefit farming families and consumers throughout the state. His position focuses on helping people understand the origins of food and fiber products by creating educational resources, organizing school and community programs, and fostering relationships between agricultural producers and educational institutions statewide.
“I am excited for the chance to educate Delaware’s youth about the significance of agriculture as an industry and in their lives,” said Dixon. “Young people are our future, and when we feed into them, the future is a stronger and brighter place.”
Dixon brings valuable experience from his previous internship with the Delaware Farm Bureau, where he worked directly with the organization’s programs and agricultural education efforts. His background also includes significant involvement with the National FFA Organization, including a two-year tenure as a Delaware State FFA Officer and ongoing volunteer work with the state chapter. Additionally, he completed a marketing internship with the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
Currently pursuing his education at Delaware State University, Dixon is expected to complete his general agriculture degree in May 2026. During his time at the university, he has participated in Collegiate FFA activities and helped establish the DSU Collegiate Farm Bureau.
Those interested in scheduling an agricultural literacy visit can reach Dixon at [email protected].
Three farmers received top honors at the American Soybean Association’s yearly recognition ceremony during Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, including a Delaware farmer who received the organization’s highest award.
The ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions to the soybean industry, honoring volunteer work and exceptional leadership. Awards recognize state-level volunteer service, leadership accomplishments spanning five or more years, and lifetime contributions to the soybean sector. Nominations are typically accepted from June through October, with a judging panel making final decisions.
Iowa Farmer Dave Walton Wins Outstanding State Volunteer Recognition
The American Soybean Association presented Iowa farmer Dave Walton with the Outstanding State Volunteer Award. This recognition honors dedicated volunteers who have contributed exemplary service for at least three years in any aspect of their state association’s activities.
Walton has committed more than ten years to advancing soybean farmers’ causes, holding important positions on the Iowa Soybean Association board, the ASA Executive Committee, the Iowa Biodiesel Board, and the Clean Fuels Alliance America board.
His efforts have bolstered the soybean sector through relationship-building with government officials, industry executives, and fellow farmers. Walton has exceeded expectations in advocacy work, playing a crucial part in developing his state’s biodiesel agenda.
While accepting his award, Walton credited his success to teamwork with his wife and oldest son, who enabled him to dedicate time to volunteer activities throughout the years. He also expressed gratitude to fellow directors who challenged him and helped him grow as both a leader and individual.
Currently serving as ASA’s vice president, Walton is positioned to become president in 2027. “I have a couple years left at the national level, and I have a lot more things to accomplish here in the next few years, so I got to get going,” he stated. “It’s going to go fast, but we have a lot of work to do and I have a good team around me, both at the director’s level and the staff level, so we’re going to get some things done in the next two years. I’m looking forward to it.”
North Dakota’s Monte Peterson Earns Distinguished Leadership Award
The ASA Distinguished Leadership Award honors soybean producers or association staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment and successfully guide others toward achieving goals that benefit soybean farmers. North Dakota farmer Monte Peterson received this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award.
Peterson has championed soybean farmers since 2006 when he joined the North Dakota Soybean Council board. He also held a position on the American Soybean Association board from 2014 through 2023.
Throughout his ASA tenure, Peterson led the Trade Policy & International Affairs Committee. He gained recognition for simplifying complex issues, including the China trade conflict, and directing efforts to remove trade obstacles and expand markets.
From 2017 to 2023, Peterson served on the U.S. Soybean Export Council board, holding positions as vice chair, chair, and past chair. Leading the USSEC board during the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in hundreds of virtual meetings while maintaining crucial trade relationships and reinforcing U.S. soy’s reputation as a dependable, high-quality product.
Through the ASA Corteva Young Leader Program, Peterson worked with emerging farmer leaders, motivating them to participate in committee activities and explaining how national policies impact their farming operations.
Upon receiving his award, Peterson acknowledged the opportunities he had to collaborate with strong leadership and committed board members from ASA, USSEC, and North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, whose guidance continues to advance the soybean industry.
“Any leadership that I’ve shown has been the result of standing shoulder to shoulder with individuals who bring insight, who bring energy and integrity to the work that we do. If I’ve managed to look like a leader at all, it’s only because I’ve been surrounded by people who lift me up, that keep me on track, and occasionally remind me where I’m supposed to be next. Thank you for this recognition and for your confidence in me,” he said.
Delaware’s Richard Wilkins Receives Pinnacle Award, ASA’s Top Honor
The American Soybean Association honored the late Richard Wilkins from Greenwood, Delaware, with its most prestigious recognition, the Pinnacle Award. This industry-wide acknowledgment celebrates a lifetime of work showing the highest level of contribution and leadership within the soybean community and sector.
Throughout his 53 years of service, Wilkins consistently displayed innovative leadership that enhanced the soybean industry’s sustainability and cohesion. He fulfilled numerous roles as a soybean farmer advocate, including membership in the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association, former ASA president, and former state executive director of Delaware’s Farm Service Agency.
Wilkins started farming in 1972 with just three acres of soybeans on leased land, growing to 65 acres by his high school graduation in 1976. These early experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for hard work, innovation, and producer-led leadership – values that shaped his contributions at every level of the soybean community.
At the state level, Wilkins participated on the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, representing farmers during increasingly complex nutrient management requirements. In this role, he advocated for science-based, practical approaches that helped producers meet environmental regulations while maintaining yield and economic sustainability.
In 2015, Wilkins became ASA president and guided the organization through significant national policy discussions, particularly during the proposed Vermont GMO labeling law crisis. Under his direction, ASA rallied farmers and stakeholders to inform policymakers, leading to a consistent national food labeling standard that prevented confusion, protected consumers, and maintained market stability.
During the Awards Celebration, Wilkins’ wife, Donna, and his nephew, Chris, received the award on his behalf. Donna shared that Richard’s life passion involved continuing public education, mentoring future generations, and protecting agriculture’s future. She also read a letter Wilkins wrote to the ASA board in 2010 when deciding to run for ASA vice president. Wilkins wrote, “It is incumbent upon us as farmer leaders to advocate for policies that achieve societal wishes for a clean and safe food supply, but let’s also allow the American agribusiness industry to grow and prosper… I am driven by a passion to serve the industry that I have been a part of my entire life.”
Wilkins will be remembered for ensuring fair and equitable representation for smaller soybean-producing states within the American Soybean Association. His lasting impact will be measured not only by the policies he helped create and the markets he expanded, but also by the leaders he guided.
As spring planting season continues across the country, agricultural advocates are pressing federal regulators to accelerate approval processes for crop protection products that farmers say are essential for healthy yields.
The debate over pesticide labeling has intensified as consumers increasingly see products marked “glyphosate-free” in grocery stores. According to Madelyn Derks, Director of Government Affairs for the American Soybean Association, this creates a disconnect between consumer perceptions and farming realities, where pesticides like glyphosate serve as crucial tools for protecting crops from harmful pests and weeds.
The Environmental Protection Agency provided some relief to growers on February 6th when it announced new dicamba labeling for use on dicamba-resistant soybeans and cotton over the next two growing seasons. The timing proved critical for farmers preparing for planting, though the new regulations include challenging restrictions such as temperature limits and mandatory buffer zones that may complicate weed management during optimal spraying periods.
However, numerous new active ingredients and applications for existing products remain stuck in EPA approval processes, some waiting for months. This regulatory bottleneck comes at a particularly difficult time as agricultural input costs continue climbing, with pesticides facing the heaviest impact from tariffs at an average rate of 12 percent.
The situation has worsened over time, with the average approval timeline for new crop protection products extending from 11.3 years to 12.3 years. Agricultural groups worry that the growing EPA backlog puts American farmers at a competitive disadvantage compared to international producers who have faster access to innovative products.
The American Soybean Association has launched multiple advocacy campaigns to emphasize the importance of EPA’s science-based approval process and the need for farmer access to effective crop protection tools. The organization has identified particular concerns within the Make America Healthy Again movement, noting that both the movement and farmers share the common goal of providing affordable, nutritious food to American families.
Agricultural advocates argue that EPA should prioritize making new and innovative pesticide products available to growers more quickly. They contend that continued delays in registration approvals only weaken U.S. agricultural competitiveness at a time when global market position is increasingly important.
Industry representatives maintain that pesticides remain a fundamental component of producing healthy and sustainable food supplies, regardless of farming location or consumer purchasing preferences in grocery stores.
As Delaware emerges from an unusually harsh winter and residents anticipate the arrival of summer activities, state agricultural officials are encouraging everyone to support local growers through farmers markets and roadside produce stands that will soon begin their seasonal operations.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture is highlighting the upcoming opening of numerous farmers markets and farm stands throughout the state, where visitors can purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables bearing the Delaware Grown label.
State agriculture officials note that the Food Products Inspection section works year-round to guarantee that all Delaware Grown items meet strict standards for proper storage, handling, and labeling requirements.
With winter’s grip finally loosening across the First State, these seasonal agricultural venues are preparing to welcome customers seeking fresh, locally-sourced produce while supporting Delaware’s farming community.
The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a significant case that could reshape how pesticides are regulated across the country, with major implications for farmers nationwide.
The case, Monsanto v. Durnell, centers on a fundamental question: Can individual states create additional warning requirements that conflict with scientific determinations made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act?
Sam Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, argues the case has been mischaracterized by critics. “Some provocateurs have tried to frame the case as something else entirely, suggesting it’s about broad legal immunity for chemical manufacturers. It’s not,” Kieffer stated in his recent column.
According to Kieffer, the real issue is whether farmers and agricultural companies can depend on uniform national standards established by the EPA, rather than navigating conflicting requirements from different states.
“For farmers, this case is about clarity, predictability, and the ability to follow the law with confidence,” he explained.
The wheat industry leader emphasized that farmers must follow EPA-approved labels as legal requirements, not mere suggestions. He warned that inconsistent state regulations could create dangerous confusion for agricultural producers.
Kieffer also addressed what he calls misinformation about farming practices, particularly regarding glyphosate use in wheat production. He disputed claims that farmers routinely apply glyphosate to wheat crops as a harvest aid.
“Glyphosate is not labeled as a desiccant for wheat, and farmers are required by federal law to follow label directions,” he stated.
Market statistics support his position, showing that 97% of glyphosate applications in wheat occur before planting as a weed control measure. Only 3% happens after planting, typically to manage problem weeds that could damage harvesting equipment.
The CEO stressed that economic realities drive responsible pesticide use. “With tight margins and rising costs, every decision on the farm is scrutinized. Applying a product without a clear agronomic or economic benefit simply doesn’t make sense and farmers don’t have money to waste,” he noted.
Kieffer defended the safety and quality of wheat production, emphasizing that crop protection products undergo extensive scientific review by regulatory agencies worldwide.
As the Supreme Court prepares to consider this case, agricultural groups are advocating for maintaining science-based regulatory consistency. They argue that conflicting standards could create additional uncertainty during an already challenging period for farm economics.
The National Association of Wheat Growers plans to continue supporting policies that provide clarity and consistency for American agriculture while ensuring decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than speculation.
HARRISONBURG, Va. — A farmer-owned cooperative in Virginia is moving forward with a massive expansion that promises to boost the region’s agricultural sector and create significant employment opportunities.
Governor Abigail Spanberger recently unveiled details of the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative’s ambitious $113.9 million investment in Rockingham County. The comprehensive development will bring 146 new positions to the area while substantially increasing the cooperative’s turkey processing capabilities.
The centerpiece of this multi-phase initiative involves constructing a cutting-edge feed mill featuring nearly 2 million cubic feet of capacity, making it the East Coast’s most expansive grain storage operation. The project will also enhance processing abilities to handle an additional 4.5 million turkeys within the next three years.
Additional improvements include installing a rail spur at the Linville location, upgrading water treatment infrastructure at the Hinton site, and expanding overall turkey processing operations.
“The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative’s investment speaks volumes for its commitment to the future of its turkey-producing members and grain farmers here in Virginia,” stated Tony Banks, senior assistant director of the Agriculture, Development & Innovation Department at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “The fact the investment is being made by a successful local company is outstanding. It truly represents a great opportunity for farmers, local businesses and communities.”
The enhanced processing and feed production capabilities will open doors for additional grower agreements and enable current member-farmers to scale up their operations. These developments come at a crucial time when agricultural producers face increasing operational expenses and narrow profit margins, where operational efficiency and size often determine long-term sustainability.
Operating as a completely farmer-owned entity, VPGC functions under a cooperative framework that channels profits directly back to the member-producers who raise the turkeys. This structure provides Virginia Farm Bureau poultry and grain producers with financial benefits while offering operational stability, risk distribution, and input in industry direction.
Farm Bureau officials have consistently highlighted the value of community-controlled agricultural infrastructure, and this investment demonstrates that philosophy in practice by maintaining value-added processing, management decisions, and earnings within Virginia’s farming communities.
“This historic investment is a testament to the power of Virginia’s farmers and producers,” Spanberger noted.
State financial support includes a $1 million performance-based grant through the Virginia Investment Performance Grant program, which incentivizes continued capital investment by established Virginia businesses. Additional funding comes from a $500,000 AFID facility grant through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, supporting projects that source Virginia-grown products, plus a $750,000 allocation from the Virginia Rail Industrial Access Program.
RICHMOND—Virginia students gained valuable insights into farming and food production during the state’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week, which connected thousands of young learners with the agricultural community.
The Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom program reached approximately 77,000 children through 1,300 volunteers who read this year’s featured book, “Farm Boots” by Renée Kurilla, during the March 23-27 event. The initiative also distributed 3,200 book copies to schools, community organizations, and libraries throughout Virginia.
“We completely sold out of books!” Lynn Black, AITC’s education director, explained. “This event creates so many fun farm-to-classroom connections with students. It’s not just reading a book—it’s an experience that sparks curiosity in children, encourages discussion, and demonstrates the crucial role farmers play in putting food on our tables.”
Beyond simple story time, many participants incorporated interactive learning experiences, practical demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions into their visits.
Henrico County Extension workers Carter Humphries and Laila Ampy-Thomas collaborated with 4-H and FFA students to visit multiple schools during the week. Their presentations included engaging conversations about farming operations, livestock, and agricultural products, plus activities highlighting the diverse crops Virginia producers cultivate year-round.
“This year was especially fun because students were able to connect their learning about the seasons to real-life activities on the farm, like planting strawberries, collecting chicken eggs, picking pumpkins, and so much more,” Humphries noted. “We enjoyed seeing their creativity as they designed their own farm boots and shared what type of farmer they would be. Those hands-on connections help bring the lessons to life, and it’s exciting to watch youth make those connections to their everyday lives.”
The Agriculture Literacy Week program has operated for 17 years and represents AITC’s most significant educational outreach effort. The initiative offers an entertaining, participatory approach to expanding children’s understanding of agricultural practices, food origins, and farming’s significance.
Notable volunteer readers included Governor Abigail Spanberger, Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Katie Frazier, Deputy Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Ben Rowe, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Green, state lawmakers, county Farm Bureau officials, VDACS and Farm Credit staff members, and youth from FFA and 4-H organizations.
Additional information about Agriculture Literacy Week and Virginia AITC support opportunities is available at virginia.agclassroom.org.
TROUTVILLE, Va.—Young dairy calves in Virginia have captured the hearts of students throughout the state, sparking touching correspondence, meaningful bonds, and educational experiences that last a lifetime.
During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 48,000 classrooms nationwide took part in Discover Dairy’s Adopt a Cow initiative. Created in collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, this no-cost educational program provides students with an online window into actual dairy operations while teaching them about where nutritious milk products originate.
The initiative has transformed participating farmers—who care for the featured calves—into local celebrities.
Botetourt County’s Courtney Henderson, who operates Cave Hill Dairy Farm, frequently hears children shouting her name when she shops for groceries.
“I receive a steady stream of correspondence from participating students, which my grandfather jokingly refers to as my ‘fan mail,’” Henderson said with amusement. “The children create artwork, inquire about the calves’ wellbeing, and this year they even remembered my birthday with handmade cards!”
Henderson has been involved with the initiative for four consecutive years. Prior to becoming an official host farmer, she was already building relationships with young people through social media posts—sharing everything from reading sessions alongside her cattle to demonstrations of creating Play-Doh using household ingredients like vinegar and milk.
Through her current role in the program, Henderson connects with thousands of students across different age groups and backgrounds. During each academic year, educators and their classes follow Henderson’s operation and their chosen calves via monthly photographs, video content, and developmental updates.
“Since our farm is among the limited number of dairy operations remaining in Virginia, I didn’t anticipate significant participation,” she remembered. “However, I was thrilled to discover how many educational institutions were actively involved and the substantial amount of response I received.”
Throughout this academic year, students tracked the development of their chosen calves, named Rosie and Petunia. Henderson took pleasure in addressing numerous student questions regarding the calves’ nutrition, unique behaviors, individual characteristics, and preferences.
“Educators are enthusiastic about this initiative,” Henderson explained. “It provides them with additional interactive content for their students, generating excitement each month. Students observe the calves’ development while gaining understanding of proper animal care, health maintenance practices, and our daily responsibilities.”
Following seven months of regular updates, students finally met Rosie and Petunia and spoke directly with Henderson during a live online session on April 14—posing questions such as “How many stomach chambers do cattle possess?” and “What activities do calves enjoy?”
Henderson expressed that she has “enjoyed highlighting my farm operations, sharing my enthusiasm for agriculture, and presenting my experiences in an engaging format that appeals to children, teachers, and families. Connecting not only with my local area but with communities throughout the state has been the most rewarding aspect.”
Enrollment for Discovery Dairy’s Adopt a Cow initiative for the 2026-27 school year begins in early May. The program remains free of charge, and educational institutions from all regions may participate.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 23, 2026
DELMARVA — Farm families putting off succession planning aren’t avoiding conflict, they’re actually making it more likely, according to agricultural experts. Starting those tough conversations early and being transparent with family members is the only way to keep current owners in charge of their operation’s future. It might be uncomfortable now, but it beats the alternative down the road.
Livestock Markets
Cattle markets took a hit Wednesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. June live cattle fell $0.47 to settle at $243.07 per hundredweight. August contracts dropped $0.52 to $239.18. Feeder cattle also slipped, with May contracts down $0.12 finishing at $358.42.
Policy
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told a Senate subcommittee Tuesday that federal relief for high fertilizer costs could come soon. She said the administration’s been in daily contact with the White House on the issue.
Local Grain Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.05 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans there are at $11.26 for May.
Forecast
Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 71°F and northwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Friday brings mostly sunny conditions again with a high around 64°F. Rain showers move in Friday night and continue likely on Saturday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 23, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Federal officials have announced their intention to seek continued authorization for a program that tracks spongy moths, an invasive species that poses threats to trees and forests across the United States.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service revealed plans to request extended approval for their information gathering system related to spongy moth monitoring efforts. The agency’s announcement follows requirements established under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
The program utilizes identification worksheets and checklists to collect data about spongy moth populations and their impact on vegetation. These invasive insects, formerly known as gypsy moths, can cause significant damage to deciduous trees when their populations grow unchecked.
The federal agency’s request represents a routine administrative step to maintain their ongoing surveillance and management efforts targeting this destructive pest species.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 22, 2026
DELMARVA — Rising input costs are reshaping planting decisions across the Corn Belt as farmers pivot from corn to soybeans in search of better profit margins. Iowa farmer Dave Walton is shifting away from corn in favor of soybeans this season, flipping all his corn-on-corn acres to beans and citing better profit potential and lower input expenses. The same cost pressure is hitting Delmarva producers as they finalize their own spring planting plans.
Policy
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hinted yesterday that federal action on high fertilizer prices could come soon. Testifying before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Rollins said her team has held daily calls with the White House on the issue, though she didn’t outline specific measures being considered.
Markets
Livestock futures closed lower today. June live cattle dropped $0.47 to settle at $243.07 per hundredweight. August lives fell $0.52 to $239.18. May feeders lost $0.12, closing at $358.42.
On the cash grain side, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.04 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans there are $11.25.
Forecast
Clear skies are expected tonight with patchy fog developing and a low around 51°F. Thursday looks sunny with a high near 70°F. Dry conditions continue through Friday before rain showers become likely this weekend.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 22, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Spring fishing conditions across Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay region are providing excellent opportunities for anglers this week, with water temperatures stabilizing around 60 degrees and multiple species actively feeding.
As Earth Day and Arbor Day arrive this month, fishing enthusiasts are encouraged to reflect on conservation efforts while enjoying outdoor opportunities. Anglers can contribute by picking up discarded fishing line and trash during their trips.
Current Conditions Through April 28
Buoy data shows main Bay surface temperatures and river mouth areas maintaining 60-degree readings. Smaller waterways are also holding in the 60s, though protected coves and downwind areas on sunny days often reach the upper 60s – perfect conditions for hickory shad, which prefer the 55-65 degree range during their spawning period over the next two weeks.
Most Maryland rivers and streams are experiencing below-normal flow levels. Water clarity remains typical across most Bay areas and tributaries, though algal blooms are reducing visibility along the western shore from Bush River down to the Patapsco, and near the Chester River mouth on the Eastern Shore.
Tuesday will bring stronger tidal movements due to the approaching full moon on May 1.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Action
Low flows in the Susquehanna River are actually benefiting anglers this week, creating clearer and warmer conditions due to reduced dam releases. While the area above a line from Abby Point to Worton Point remains closed for striped bass catch-and-release, other species are providing plenty of action.
Hickory shad are being caught throughout the Susquehanna up to Conowingo Dam, at Deer Creek’s mouth, and in Octoraro Creek. Small flashy spoons in gold and silver, colorful shad darts, and bright sinking flies are proving effective.
Small male white perch are beginning to enter the Susquehanna, with numbers expected to increase over the next week before larger females arrive. The developing grass beds on Susquehanna Flats are attracting largemouth bass and Chesapeake Channa near their edges.
Blue catfish and flathead catfish fishing remains strong near the dam, with blue cats also found near river mouths including the Susquehanna, Elk, Chester, and Gunpowder. Elevated salinity levels due to lack of rainfall make river mouths particularly promising for large blue catfish. Cut bait including gizzard shad, menhaden, or white perch works well, as do chicken liver and scented baits.
Anglers targeting blue catfish from Sandy Point State Park beach should wear knee boots and use circle hooks to properly release any accidentally caught striped bass without compromising their protective slime layer.
Catch-and-release striped bass opportunities exist along main channel edges for trolling large bucktails and sassy shad lures, or jigging when fish appear on depth finders. River mouths, Love Point rocks, and Bay Bridge piers are productive spots for casting paddletails and soft plastic jigs.
Middle Bay Report
Large post-spawn striped bass are leaving the Choptank River in increasing numbers this week. Upper Choptank temperatures peaked at 68 degrees last week before cooling slightly, while main Bay waters hold at 60 degrees. Spawning activity concluded last Saturday, with those fish now moving toward middle and lower Bay regions.
Trolling along main channel edges remains popular, but shallower waters shouldn’t be overlooked. Chartreuse bucktails with sassy shads and 6-inch soft plastic jigs are favorites when fish are visible on electronics. Schools of menhaden often indicate nearby striped bass.
Beginning May 1, anglers will be able to keep striped bass measuring 19-24 inches in areas below the Brewerton Channel south to Virginia waters, excluding tidal rivers.
White perch are moving down from spawning areas and spreading to summer habitats around tidal rivers and creeks. They’re typically in deeper water during this transition, making bottom rigs with grass shrimp, minnows, or bloodworm pieces effective. Anglers should note that small blue catfish in the 10-14 inch range are present in the Choptank and should be properly disposed of rather than released.
April provides excellent blue catfish opportunities in the Choptank, with ideal water temperatures encouraging movement from deep channels to nearby shelves and shallower areas. The stretch from Dover Bridge to Denton, and up the Tuckahoe past Route 328 Bridge, offer prime fishing. Cut bait, live small white perch, bluegill, large minnows, and scented baits all produce results.
Lower Bay Conditions
Post-spawn striped bass are exiting the Choptank, Nanticoke, Patuxent, and Potomac rivers this week, heading south toward the ocean. Their movement may pause only for the menhaden schools that have entered the lower Bay region – finding these baitfish schools is key to locating striped bass.
Menhaden schools often move with swift currents along channel edges but can also be found in shallower waters. Trolling and jigging along channel edges is extremely popular, while shallower Bay shores offer light tackle opportunities for casting various lures at passing striped bass.
Hickory shad fishing continues to excel in the Potomac River within Washington D.C. and Mason Branch of Mattawoman Creek. American shad are also beginning to appear in the Potomac’s deeper waters for anglers using larger shad darts.
White perch moving down spawning rivers on both Bay sides are providing entertaining fishing as they head to summer habitats. These fish are likely in deeper water during their downstream movement, making small jig heads and bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms preferred methods.
Blue catfish are extremely active in ideal water temperatures this month. Prime locations include the Potomac from Route 301 Bridge to Wilson Bridge, the Patuxent from Benedict to Jug Bay, and the Sharptown/Marshyhope section of the Nanticoke. Increasing numbers are being reported in the Wicomico and Pocomoke rivers.
Freshwater Opportunities
Trout fishing remains excellent in put-and-take management waters with weekly stockings continuing. Delayed harvest and catch-and-release waters in central and western regions offer opportunities for anglers preferring to release their catch.
Deep Creek Lake’s 51-degree water temperature is supporting diverse fishing for bluegills, pickerel, and largemouth bass moving into warmer, shallower coves – great for bank and wading anglers. Largemouth bass are positioning near structure like fallen treetops. Walleye season opened April 15 with a 15-inch minimum, five-fish daily limit, and 18-21 inch protected slot.
Upper Potomac River flows are very low with smallmouth bass spawning activity occurring. Largemouth bass are transitioning from pre-spawn behavior to entering shallow spawning areas where males have prepared nests. Female largemouth bass can be found in transition areas outside shallow spawning sites. Spinnerbaits, paddletails, jerkbaits, stick worms, crankbaits, and soft plastics are all effective choices.
Chesapeake Channa (northern snakeheads) are becoming more active as temperatures warm, with sunny afternoons offering the best opportunities on shallow, sun-exposed shores. White paddletails are currently the most popular lure choice, while dead-sticking large minnows under bobbers provides additional action.
Crappie have completed spawning in most areas and are now holding near shoreline structure, marina docks, and bridge piers. Various sunfish species are moving into shallower waters, providing excellent light tackle and fly-fishing opportunities.
Ocean and Coastal Bay Action
Surf anglers are experiencing outstanding black drum fishing along Assateague beaches this week. Sand fleas, peeler crab, and clams make effective baits. Dogfish and clearnose skates are also common in the mix – larger dogfish provide excellent smoked or fried nugget meat, though those with pups may need milk soaking to reduce ammonia levels. Striped bass moving up the coast are also being caught, with a one-fish daily limit at 28-31 inches.
Flounder continue moving through Ocean City Inlet, providing good fishing in the inlet and connecting channels. Tautog are being caught near rocks, bulkheads, docks, and bridge piers in the inlet and Route 50 Bridge areas, with sand fleas being the most popular bait.
Striped bass fishing offers excellent action in the inlet area and around Route 90 and Verrazzano Bridge piers. Paddletails and soft plastic jigs are the most popular methods, though most action is catch-and-release due to the 28-inch minimum size.
Charter and private boats venturing to inshore and offshore wreck and reef sites are finding good tautog fishing, with flounder also in the mix.
Public notices have been issued for the 2026 black sea bass and summer flounder seasons.
The United States saw a 2 percent decline in commercial red meat production during 2025, according to newly released federal data.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service published its yearly livestock slaughter report showing the drop in production levels across the country.
The annual summary provides comprehensive data on commercial meat processing operations throughout the United States, tracking production trends that impact both farmers and consumers nationwide.
The United States poultry industry is showing signs of growth, according to recent data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Nationwide statistics reveal that broiler-type egg setting has increased by 2 percent compared to previous periods. Additionally, the placement of broiler-type chicks across the country has risen by 4 percent.
These figures suggest positive momentum in the American chicken production industry, with both upstream egg setting and downstream chick placement showing upward trends.
The country’s leading dairy-producing states experienced a notable increase in milk output during the month of March, according to new federal data.
The 24 states that dominate America’s dairy industry collectively produced 19.6 billion pounds of milk in March, marking a 2.4 percent rise when compared to March of the previous year.
The production figures highlight continued growth in the nation’s dairy sector as farmers and agricultural operations maintain steady output levels across major milk-producing regions.
A major dairy industry organization is throwing its support behind new federal legislation aimed at forcing stricter labeling rules for plant-based alternatives that use traditional dairy names.
The National Milk Producers Federation issued a statement backing the recently reintroduced DAIRY PRIDE Act, with President and CEO Gregg Doud criticizing federal regulators for allowing what he calls misleading marketing practices.
“FDA’s continued failure to enforce its own rules on the proper labeling of plant-based alternative products is a public health problem, plain and simple,” Doud stated. He emphasized that authentic dairy provides 13 vital nutrients, highlighting calcium, potassium, and vitamin D as particularly important for public health.
According to Doud, plant-based products that don’t match dairy’s nutritional profile have been permitted to suggest they’re equivalent to genuine dairy items, creating confusion among shoppers.
The proposed legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to uphold existing dairy labeling standards that give specific meaning to terms like “milk,” “cheese,” and “yogurt.” These standards were originally created to ensure honest marketing and consumer protection.
“The DAIRY PRIDE Act directs FDA to enforce dairy standards of identity, which were developed to promote honesty and protect consumers,” Doud explained, arguing that current enforcement gaps allow plant-based companies to capitalize on consumer expectations while offering nutritionally different products.
“It’s high time FDA makes it easier for consumers to navigate the choices they face in the grocery aisles; the DAIRY PRIDE Act is an important step in the right direction. Dairy farmers and their cooperatives thank Reps. John Joyce and Josh Riley for their bipartisan leadership in finding solutions through this critical legislation,” he added.
Representatives John Joyce, a Pennsylvania Republican, and Josh Riley, a New York Democrat, reintroduced the bipartisan measure in the House of Representatives. The bill would classify food products making false claims about milk content as “misbranded” and mandate that the FDA provide enforcement guidance within 90 days for nationwide action against improperly labeled imitation dairy items.
Maryland’s wine industry is reeling from devastating crop losses after an unexpected frost struck vineyards throughout the state in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21st.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed that grape growers experienced one of the most catastrophic agricultural disasters in decades, with the late-season cold snap destroying what would have been the 2026 harvest.
The timing of the frost proved particularly damaging, coming after years of steady development that had positioned Maryland as an emerging force in American wine production. The state’s viticulture industry had gained national recognition through consistent quality improvements and innovative growing techniques.
According to agriculture officials, numerous vineyard operators are confronting their first major frost-related disaster of this magnitude, making the recovery process even more challenging for the affected growers.
The full extent of the economic impact on Maryland’s wine sector remains under assessment as growers and state agricultural experts survey the damage across affected regions.
April brings National Brunch Month, creating the ideal opportunity to savor morning meals well into the afternoon hours.
This beloved American dining tradition provides an excellent reason to indulge in “the most important meal of the day” whenever you choose, featuring recipes that highlight breakfast’s most versatile ingredient.
Nutritionally dense eggs are widely recognized as components of heart-healthy eating plans throughout all life phases. A single large egg delivers 6 grams of premium protein, contains all nine essential amino acids, plus vital vitamins and additional nutrients. The yolk houses nearly half the protein content along with most vitamins and minerals, including nutrients crucial for brain and body function, according to American Egg Board.
Virginia produces abundant locally-sourced eggs for regional consumers. The state’s chicken egg production achieved 10th place nationally among top agricultural commodities in 2024, bringing in more than $146 million in cash receipts, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
Mark this brunch celebration by discovering the adaptability of eggs throughout April—perhaps by preparing one of these distinctive recipes to share with loved ones.
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon harissa sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 large red bell peppers, diced ½ cup chopped onion 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped garlic 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt 28-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained 6 large eggs ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet, combine olive oil, harissa, tomato paste, bell peppers, onion, garlic, cumin and salt. Cook covered on medium heat for 10 minutes or until the peppers and onion are soft, stirring occasionally.
Stir in canned tomatoes, and simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Make 6 indentations in the sauce, and gently break 1 egg into each.
Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are still slightly soft.
Serve the eggs in the sauce with the yogurt and cheese on the side.
Overnight French Toast
1-pound loaf sourdough bread, torn into 1ʺ pieces 8 large eggs 2½ cups milk ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 3 cups fresh berries such as strawberry, blueberries, raspberries 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, for garnishing maple syrup, for garnishing
Prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the bread pieces in the prepared dish in an even layer.
In a medium bowl, add eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Whisk to combine, then pour over the bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Heat oven to 350°.
Remove the plastic wrap from the dish, and bake it for 45-60 minutes until reaching the desired texture.
Top with fresh berries, confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup, if desired.
Serve and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
With spring’s arrival bringing numerous outdoor tasks, homeowners may find themselves needing better equipment than what they used last year. Although purchasing new mowers and tractors represents a significant expense, members of Virginia Farm Bureau have access to special savings on various John Deere products.
Members of VFB can enroll to receive complimentary upgrades to John Deere Rewards Platinum 1 status, which provides additional savings on equipment, parts and products. Additionally, they can receive discounts of up to $150 on selected residential lawn mowing machines.
To be eligible, individuals must maintain Virginia Farm Bureau membership for a minimum of 30 days. Certain qualification criteria may be required, such as waiting periods or restrictions on specific models and equipment types.
Those interested can register at JohnDeere.com/Farm Bureau or visit the Virginia Farm Bureau website for additional details about the program.
Many homeowners view lawn maintenance as a seasonal chore, but implementing smart strategies can transform yard work from burden to benefit.
Proper mowing techniques can significantly improve both the health and visual appeal of residential lawns, creating enhanced curb appeal while actually reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Property owners can develop healthier grass with fewer weeds by focusing on soil nutrition. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests applying a quarter-inch layer of compost rich in organic matter monthly throughout the growing season. This practice improves soil porosity, enhances drainage, and helps prevent root rot.
Lawn care specialists from The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Virginia Cooperative Extension have compiled essential strategies for creating a thriving yard:
Pre-mowing preparation: When using string trimmers, complete edging work before mowing so grass clippings get chopped by the mower blade. Avoid trimming close to tree bark and maintain vegetation-free zones around tree bases.
Proper cutting height: Different grass varieties require specific cutting heights, typically between 2-3 inches for both warm and cool-season varieties, though individual species may vary. Cool-season grasses benefit from higher cutting during late spring and early summer to better handle environmental stress. Warm-season varieties become denser when cut shorter during summer months. Shaded areas should be maintained at the higher end of recommended ranges to maximize leaf surface area.
Height adjustment technique: Position the mower on a solid surface, use a measuring tape to check current blade height, then modify deck settings to achieve desired levels.
The one-third principle: Never cut more than one-third of grass blade length in a single session, as this depletes root energy reserves. For overgrown areas, gradually reduce height over several sessions spaced 2-3 days apart.
Directional variation: Change mowing patterns each session to promote upright growth and prevent soil compaction. Rotate patterns by 45 or 90 degrees from previous sessions.
Dry conditions only: Avoid mowing wet grass. Morning mowing should wait until dew evaporates completely.
Sharp blade maintenance: Keep cutting edges sharp to prevent grass tearing, improve fuel efficiency, and extend equipment life. Sharpen blades three times per season: spring startup, late spring, and mid-to-late summer.
Natural fertilization: Mow without collection bags, allowing clippings to decompose and return nutrients to the soil naturally.
Clump removal: While leaving clippings benefits the lawn, remove any thick clumps that could smother underlying grass.
Edge maintenance: Use spading tools to create clean borders between lawn and garden beds, and refresh mulch around trees to prevent mower damage that can cause disease and tree death.
Additional lawn care guidance and safety information can be found through The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Virginia Cooperative Extension resources.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has finalized a major technology partnership worth $300 million with Palantir Technologies, officials announced Wednesday.
The substantial contract, structured as a Blanket Purchase Agreement, is designed to advance the National Farm Security Action Plan while upgrading the department’s service delivery systems for agricultural producers across the country.
Under the new arrangement, Palantir will supply operational technology solutions to help the agriculture department enhance its support for both farmers and field personnel working in government roles.
The contract expands upon Palantir’s current collaboration with the USDA’s “Landmark” system and will bolster the “One Farmer, One File” program. According to the announcement, the Landmark platform is already revolutionizing agricultural reporting by allowing farmers to submit acreage information through user-friendly digital interfaces.
“Protecting America’s farmland is protecting America itself, and this work gives USDA the visibility and speed needed to safeguard our food supply,” stated Sam Berry, the Department of Agriculture’s Chief Information Officer.
JOHANNESBURG – South African authorities announced Wednesday they have secured 2 million foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Turkey as they work to control what officials describe as the nation’s most devastating outbreak in recent memory.
The agriculture department confirmed the vaccines, provided by Turkish company Dollvet, will be sent to various provinces over the next several days. Distribution will be prioritized based on livestock populations and risk levels in each area.
Officials have placed orders for an additional 4 million doses from the same Turkish supplier to bolster their vaccination campaign.
The viral disease spreads rapidly among livestock, particularly cattle, creating painful sores in animals’ mouths and on their feet. While rarely deadly for mature cattle, the infection significantly reduces livestock productivity and causes substantial economic losses.
Livestock producers have sharply criticized government officials for their response to the crisis, with some farmers reporting severe financial damages and threatening court action over the handling of the situation.
South Africa has also secured 5 million additional vaccine doses from Argentina, which will arrive in two separate shipments once the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approves their import.
This vaccination effort marks a significant milestone, as February saw the country deploy its first foot-and-mouth vaccines in two decades to address critical supply shortages.
The agriculture department has set an ambitious target of vaccinating 80% of South Africa’s cattle population, estimated at approximately 14 million animals nationwide.
Officials also announced plans to provide some vaccine supplies to pig farmers, as swine are also susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease infection.
The Virginia Farm Bureau has achieved a remarkable milestone, commemorating 100 years of dedicated service to the state’s agricultural community.
This centennial celebration highlights a full century of the organization’s unwavering support for farmers and rural communities throughout Virginia. The Farm Bureau has played a pivotal role in advocating for agricultural interests and providing essential services to its members over the past ten decades.
The milestone represents not just the longevity of the organization, but also its continued relevance and importance to Virginia’s farming sector. Throughout its century-long history, the Virginia Farm Bureau has adapted to changing agricultural landscapes while maintaining its core mission of supporting those who work the land.
The celebration acknowledges the countless farmers, staff members, and supporters who have contributed to the organization’s success and impact over the years. As the Virginia Farm Bureau enters its second century, it continues to stand as a testament to the enduring strength of agricultural advocacy and community support.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The science behind your favorite bag of potato chips is more complex than you might imagine.
For decades, scientists have worked to create potato varieties specifically designed for chip manufacturing that can thrive in various weather conditions, resist plant diseases and harmful insects, remain fresh during extended storage periods, and provide that perfect crispy texture consumers crave. These researchers have also tracked changing consumer preferences, noting that the popularity of smaller snack packages has created demand for appropriately sized chipping potatoes.
“The potato industry is dynamic,” said David Douches, a Michigan State University professor who leads the school’s Potato Breeding and Genetics Program. “The needs change, the costs, the pressures that they have, and the markets change. So we have to adapt to that with our varieties.”
Over the past 15 years, Douches has created five new potato varieties specifically for chip production. His most recent innovation involves a genetically modified potato that maintains appropriate sugar levels during cold storage, helping prevent deterioration. He’s currently cultivating seeds for commercial evaluation of this variety, which hasn’t reached the marketplace yet.
While Douches’ research contributes to addressing global food security by creating disease-resistant varieties for farmers in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Bangladesh, his work also benefits American chip manufacturers, satisfied consumers, and Michigan’s $2.5 billion potato sector. Although Idaho ranks first nationally in overall potato production, Michigan leads in growing potatoes specifically for chip manufacturing.
Currently, approximately 50 distinct potato varieties are cultivated for chip production across the United States, according to the National Chip Program, a collaboration involving Michigan State and 11 other university breeding initiatives working alongside growers, chip manufacturers, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Continuous improvement efforts for these varieties never cease. The National Chip Program examines roughly 225 new potato varieties annually and chooses 100 for additional testing, explained Tim Rendall, production research director at Potatoes USA, the trade organization that manages the chip program.
This tight collaboration between scientists, agricultural producers and chip companies represents an uncommon approach in the food sector, noted Phil Gusmano, purchasing vice president at Better Made Snack Foods, a Detroit-based chip manufacturer operating since 1930. Better Made collaborated extensively with Douches during development of two varieties the company currently uses, Gusmano explained.
“We were able talk about size profile and different needs that make a really good chip,” Gusmano said. “And the great thing is, they’re willing to listen to what we have to say, because if they put together a potato that doesn’t really meet the needs for the end processor, it doesn’t do them any good.”
Creating a new potato variety can require up to 15 years, Douches explained. Despite appearing simple, potatoes possess remarkably complex genetic makeup, containing four chromosomes per cell versus the typical two found in most species, including humans. This complexity makes it challenging to predict which characteristics crossbred plants will develop, he noted.
“We’re never able to fix a trait and carry that over to the next generation, so it’s very difficult to find a potato that has all the traits that we want,” Douches said.
Douches developed his passion for potato breeding and genetics during graduate studies. At Michigan State, he concentrates on chipping potatoes since Michigan leads in this area. Approximately 70% of the state’s potato harvest goes to chip processing, according to the Michigan Ag Council. The organization estimates that Michigan potatoes appear in one out of every four potato chip bags manufactured in the United States.
Creating potatoes capable of remaining viable in storage for nearly 12 months has presented one of the greatest challenges during Douches’ four-decade career. Traditionally, farmers harvested potatoes and stored them in large piles maintained at approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Lower temperatures cause sugar content to increase in these root vegetables, and elevated sugar levels result in darker-colored chips. However, warmer storage conditions can cause spoilage.
“You think they’re just these inanimate objects, but they actually are respiring and breathing,” Douches said. “When you do that to them, you’ve got, like, a two- to three-day window where they’re happy.”
His Manistee variety, introduced in 2013, can remain safely stored until July at 45 F (7.2 C). His new genetically modified potato can withstand storage at 40 F (4.4 C).
Gusmano said Better Made previously obtained potatoes from sources outside Michigan for six months annually because locally harvested fall potatoes could only remain stored until February. The company now utilizes newer varieties, including Douches’ Mackinaw potato, which stays fresh until July and resists multiple common plant diseases.
“We’re not shipping potatoes from all over the country to be fried here in Michigan,” Gusmano said. “Instead, they’re being shipped from an hour and a half away all year long.”
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 22, 2026
DELMARVA — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has launched a new effort to strengthen farm resilience across the region. Extension researchers held the first Community Agricultural Resilience through Extension listening session in Princess Anne, bringing together farmers and stakeholders from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is the first of 18 sessions planned over 2 years.
Extension officials say they will use input from these forums to develop programming that helps producers deal with severe weather and other challenges. The next Maryland session is planned for this fall.
Disease Alert
Delaware confirmed its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in a wild white-tailed deer. DNREC announced yesterday that 1 Sussex County deer tested positive for the neurological disorder, with a second deer showing preliminary positive results. While research has not shown transmission from deer to people, state officials are urging hunters and residents to follow safety protocols to limit the disease’s spread.
Markets
Yesterday’s session showed gains in grains. May corn closed at $4.53¾, up 1¾ cents. May soybeans gained 8¾ cents to settle at $11.74½. May wheat added 8 cents to finish at $6.05. Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company is bringing $5.07 a bushel for May delivery.
Forecast
Rain showers are likely today with a high near 62°. Tomorrow turns sunny with temperatures climbing to 70°.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 22, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 21, 2026
DELMARVA — A tragic grain bin accident at a Bridgeville farm is sparking calls for enhanced safety training across Delaware’s ag community. The April 10 incident at Evans Farm claimed the life of a 66-year-old worker when 2 employees became stuck inside a grain storage tank while repairing equipment.
More than 75 emergency responders worked for hours to free both men. A 20-year-old Bridgeville man survived with non-life-threatening injuries, but the second worker was found deceased. It’s Delaware’s first grain bin fatality in roughly 20 years.
Steve Breeding with the Sussex County Farm Bureau says there needs to be a cultural shift. “You’ve got to change the whole mentality of farmers in general. As farmers, we want to get it done. We don’t think about the consequences,” Breeding said. Delaware’s Occupational Safety and Health office is investigating.
Markets
May corn closed at $4.53 3/4, up $0.01 3/4. May soybeans closed at $11.74 1/2, up $0.08 3/4. May Chicago wheat closed at $6.05, up $0.08.
Forecast
Temperatures dropped to 25°F Tuesday morning under a freeze warning that expired at 9 AM. Tonight will see mostly cloudy skies with lows around 48°F and south winds 15-20 mph. Wednesday expects a high near 64°F with a chance of rain showers and southwest winds 5-20 mph.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 21, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Chicken Council has thrown its support behind a federal proposal that would allow poultry processing facilities to accelerate their production lines under specific inspection protocols.
The industry organization submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service on Tuesday, endorsing a rule change that would raise the permitted processing speed for young chickens from the current limit of 140 birds per minute to 175 birds per minute.
This speed increase would apply specifically to facilities operating under the New Poultry Inspection System, a modernized inspection approach that differs from traditional USDA inspection methods.
The proposed regulation represents a significant shift in how quickly poultry processors could operate their production lines while maintaining federal oversight and safety standards.
A dramatic shift from unseasonably warm temperatures to freezing conditions throughout the Northeast has created significant challenges for agricultural producers, forcing some to rush harvests while others face potential crop losses.
While chilly nights during this season aren’t uncommon, the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University notes that typical last frost dates span from mid-April through early June across the region. However, the exceptionally mild temperatures during April’s first two weeks, followed by a sharp temperature plunge, have created unusual difficulties for growers.
Several New England locations experienced temperatures reaching the 80s last week, only to see snowfall just days afterward. The cold snap extended into this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue freeze warnings for Monday night through Tuesday morning across portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
At Apple Hill Orchards in Ohio, which operates approximately 80 acres in Mansfield and 110 acres in Fredericktown, the warm spell triggered premature budding in peach and apple trees. Owner Anne Joudrey reported that subsequent temperatures plummeting into the low 20s destroyed one entire peach variety.
“Farming is farming, and you never know what you’re gonna get, but we had a pretty good bloom, so we were expecting a pretty good crop,” she explained Monday.
Joudrey noted that her apple trees appeared to be weathering the conditions better, benefiting from their placement on elevated terrain that allows cold air to flow away.
“We should fare pretty well, hopefully,” she said. “But you never know.”
The temperature fluctuations have also disrupted operations at Understory Farm in Bridport, Vermont, where owner Gregory Witscher cultivates cut flowers. His tulips, originally planned for Mother’s Day sales in mid-May, have already reached full bloom inside the farm’s greenhouse facilities.
“That just means that we have to harvest them all at the same time,” he explained. “We have to harvest them and store them with the bulbs on in creates in a walk-in cooler for longer.”
Witscher, who produces approximately 50 different flower varieties for wholesale distribution, emphasized that weather variability demands adaptability. He noted that small-scale vegetable and flower operations increasingly rely on protective equipment such as row covers, heating systems for cold protection, and shade materials for extreme heat.
“With the hot weather and then the cold weather, I think its intense, and it makes things challenging,” he said. “The longer I do this, the more I want to have as many options as possible and have a lot of tools and resources available to be extremely nimble.”
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 21, 2026
DELMARVA — A freeze warning has been issued for Delmarva through 9 o’clock this morning as temperatures dropped to 33°F overnight. Agricultural producers across the peninsula are monitoring crops closely as the unexpected cold snap arrives during a vulnerable period for plant growth.
Local farmers took precautionary measures yesterday as forecasters called for the abrupt temperature plunge. Crops that have been developing throughout the season could face serious setbacks if protective steps were not implemented quickly.
Markets
Grain futures showed mixed results yesterday. Soybeans benefited from favorable planting conditions nationwide, with USDA reporting 12% of the nation’s soybean acreage already planted, well ahead of the 5-year average of 5%.
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.02 per bushel for May delivery. Soybeans there are $11.33 for May.
The USDA released its April Feed Outlook report today, projecting increased worldwide coarse grain production for the 2025-26 season. The improved outlook stems from enhanced production projections and upward adjustments to initial inventory levels.
Forecast
Sunny skies are expected today with a high near 55°F and west winds 5 to 10 mph. Tonight turns mostly cloudy with a chance of rain showers developing and a low around 46°F. Wednesday brings a chance of showers with a high near 63°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 21, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Federal agricultural officials have announced their approval to allow fresh glasswort plants from Israel to enter the United States for human consumption.
The decision covers the fresh leaves and stems of glasswort, scientifically known as Salicornia europaea L., which will now be permitted for import from Israeli growers.
According to government authorities, they conducted a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate potential threats from plant diseases and invasive species. The analysis was previously made available for public input and feedback.
Officials concluded that implementing specific plant health safety protocols will adequately protect against the introduction of harmful pests or invasive weeds through these glasswort shipments.
The edible plant, also known as sea asparagus or samphire, grows in salt marshes and coastal areas. The approval represents a new addition to the list of fresh produce items that can be imported from Israel into American markets.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 20, 2026
DELMARVA — A freeze warning is in effect tonight across Delmarva as temperatures drop to the low 30s. The National Weather Service issued the warning this afternoon for all areas through 9 tomorrow morning. Growers should protect tender plants and newly emerged crops.
The cold snap mirrors what happened across the Midwest today, where agronomists are urging farmers to take their time assessing frost damage to corn and soybean fields. According to Lance Tarochione, an agronomist working with Dekalb and Asgrow in western Illinois, soybean plants can typically withstand temperatures as low as 28° without significant damage.
Meanwhile, Iowa farmers are making substantial progress with spring planting. 14% of corn fields are now seeded as producers take advantage of improved conditions.
Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.02 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans there are at $11.26 for May.
Nationally, soybean planting is running well ahead of normal with 12% of acreage complete, more than double the 5-year average of 5% for this time of year.
Forecast
Temperatures will drop to 33° tonight under mostly clear skies with that freeze warning in effect. Tuesday looks sunny with a high near 53°. Rain chances return Tuesday night into Wednesday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued its latest weekly assessment tracking the advancement and health of crops nationwide.
The comprehensive report examines planting progress, crop development stages, and field conditions across major agricultural regions throughout the country. These regular updates help farmers, agricultural businesses, and commodity markets monitor seasonal growing patterns and crop performance.
The data collection covers key crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and other major agricultural commodities, providing essential information for the farming industry and food supply chain planning.
Delaware’s poultry industry saw mixed results in March, with egg production climbing while fewer chicks intended for egg-laying operations emerged from hatcheries.
According to new agricultural data, the state’s egg production rose 5 percent during March when compared to the same month in the previous year. This increase comes despite a concerning trend in hatchery numbers.
The number of newly hatched chicks bred specifically for egg production dropped by 3 percent during the reporting period. This decline could signal potential challenges for future egg supply in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the broiler chicken sector showed positive growth, with hatcheries producing 3 percent more meat-type chicks compared to March of last year. This uptick suggests continued strong demand for poultry meat products.
The contrasting trends between egg production and chick hatching rates highlight the complex dynamics within Delaware’s vital poultry industry, which serves as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 20, 2026
DELMARVA — A Freeze Warning is in effect across much of Delmarva this morning, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 29°F overnight into tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service issued the warning for Kent and inland Sussex counties in Delaware, along with Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties in Maryland. The warning remains active from midnight tonight through 9 a.m. tomorrow.
Sub-freezing conditions could kill crops and tender vegetation that may have already started growing with recent warmer weather. Farmers and gardeners should take immediate action to protect sensitive plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. The warning expires tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.
Livestock
Dairy farmers will soon have access to new breeding tools that help select cattle whose calves are naturally more resistant to common diseases. The genetic evaluation system focuses on reducing diarrhea and preventing respiratory illnesses in young cattle. Officials are completing final approval processes and plan to make these genetic selection tools available to Holstein and Jersey cattle breeders soon.
Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $4.99 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans there are $11.25 for May.
Forecast
Highs today are expected to reach 53°F with a chance of rain showers and west winds 5 to 15 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with lows dropping to 35°F. Tomorrow will be sunny with highs near 55°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 18, 2026
DELMARVA — The USDA delivered over $9 billion in financial support to farmers nationwide this week through its Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden says the agency processed payments in just 3 business days from completed applications. The money was directly deposited into producers’ bank accounts at a record pace.
Port Development
Baltimore’s Port of Seagirt broke ground earlier this month on a new grain transloading facility that will benefit Delmarva farmers. The 4-acre operation features 3 storage silos holding 60,000 bushels combined for corn, soybeans, and wheat exports. Frey Commodities says they will process 200 containers weekly starting this August, with yearly capacity reaching 275,000 metric tons. The new setup lets farmers deliver directly to the terminal instead of loading containers off-site.
Markets
Friday’s grain futures were mixed. May corn gained $0.0025 to $4.4875/bu. May soybeans climbed $0.035 to $11.6725/bu. May wheat fell $0.0725 to $5.9125/bu. Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is offering $4.99/bu for May corn and $11.28/bu for May beans.
Forecast
Partly sunny conditions are expected this evening with highs near 64°F. Tonight brings areas of fog with a slight chance of showers and lows around 52°F. Sunday expects rain showers likely with highs near 59°F and breezy west winds. A coastal flood advisory is in effect tonight through 2 a.m. Sunday for low-lying areas near tidal waterways.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 18, 2026
DELMARVA — A new grain export facility at the Port of Baltimore is on track to open this August, offering Delmarva farmers direct access to international markets.
State officials broke ground April 9 on the 4-acre facility at Seagirt Marine Terminal. The operation will feature 3 storage silos holding 60,000 bushels combined, handling soybeans, corn, and wheat. Frey Commodities will process over 200 containers weekly, with yearly capacity reaching 275,000 metric tons. The facility includes short line railroad connections to both CSX and Norfolk Southern.
Currently, Delmarva farmers have to load crops into containers off-site before they’re hauled to the port. The new setup lets farm trucks drive straight into Seagirt and unload directly into silos.
Markets
Soybeans finished yesterday’s session with modest gains on optimism about upcoming U.S.-China trade talks planned for next month. Brazil’s record harvest is nearly complete, while Argentina upgraded 48% of its soybean crop to good or excellent quality.
Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is offering $11.28 a bushel for May soybeans and $4.99 for May corn.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected today with highs near 60°F and east winds 5-10 mph. Rain showers move in tomorrow with highs around 62°F and gusty west winds up to 20 mph. Rainfall is expected to continue into Sunday night before clearing Monday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
American fertilizer purchasers are shipping imported supplies overseas to capitalize on higher international prices driven by ongoing Middle East conflicts, according to industry analysts.
Josh Linville, vice president for fertilizer at financial services firm StoneX, reported that barges carrying imported urea nitrogen fertilizer were bought this week at the Port of New Orleans specifically for overseas export.
“We saw a lot of physical barges that were being traded. They were linked to exports,” Linville explained. “It is feasible to buy barges on the Mississippi River, reload them on a vessel, and ship them out.”
Nitrogen fertilizer costs have skyrocketed since the United States and Israel began their conflict with Iran on February 28, with over 30% of worldwide exports disrupted by Iran’s near-complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway fully reopened after Israel’s ceasefire with Lebanon was announced Friday, causing oil prices to drop significantly.
Despite global fertilizer costs surging, domestic prices at New Orleans remain approximately $170 per short ton lower, creating lucrative arbitrage opportunities for buyers willing to redirect supplies.
As spring planting season progresses, some farming organizations and Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri have criticized fertilizer companies for alleged price manipulation. However, Linville noted that domestic prices are so much lower compared to international markets that urea nitrogen fertilizer originally destined for American use is being purchased at ports and resold to higher-paying overseas customers.
The identity of companies redirecting these American imports remains unclear due to the fertilizer market’s lack of transparency.
Global fertilizer manufacturer CF Industries announced in late March that it was “foregoing new higher-priced export orders during this spring planting season” to ensure American farmers could access necessary supplies.
However, manufacturers only maintain control over fertilizer products like urea until they reach distribution networks. Retailers serving farmers and commodity traders manage much of the fertilizer supply chain beyond that point.
Rising fertilizer costs have become a significant worldwide concern for agricultural producers dealing with declining crop prices, which remain well below the levels farmers received in 2022 when fertilizer prices spiked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Monday, Rabobank, the international agricultural banking institution, characterized both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers as reaching “unaffordable” levels, with minimal relief expected for several months.
“There could be a very long tail to this,” warned Stephen Nicholson, head of North American grains and oilseeds for Rabobank.
Federal agriculture officials are moving forward with plans to extend a program that gives states additional authority to protect against harmful plant pests and diseases.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has announced its intention to seek continued approval for an information collection system. This system supports regulations that permit individual states to establish their own prohibitions or restrictions on certain agricultural materials, going beyond the baseline protections already mandated at the federal level.
The extension request follows requirements outlined in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which governs how federal agencies collect information from the public. The program is designed to strengthen defenses against the introduction and spread of plant pests that could damage crops and natural ecosystems.
Under the current framework, states can implement stricter measures than those required by federal authorities when they determine additional protections are necessary for their specific agricultural conditions and pest threats.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 17, 2026
DELMARVA — The USDA has delivered more than $9 billion to farmers nationwide through its bridge assistance program. Stephen Vaden, the department’s Deputy Undersecretary, says payments are hitting bank accounts within 3 business days of receiving completed applications. That’s record pace for federal farm aid.
Delaware fire marshals are investigating a $1 million poultry farm fire that destroyed 2 chicken houses in Harrington 2 days ago. The blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon on Hayfield Road, killing birds inside both structures. 19 fire companies responded. Damage estimates exceed $1 million.
Markets
Soybeans closed modestly higher today on optimism about U.S.-China trade talks planned for next month. Brazil’s wrapping up a record harvest while Argentina’s crop ratings improved to 48% good to excellent.
Policy
The USDA declared 9 Maryland counties primary disaster areas today due to severe drought. Allegany, Carroll, and Charles counties are among those affected, unlocking emergency loans and relief programs for producers dealing with crop losses and water shortages.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected Saturday with highs around 60° and light east winds. Rain showers move in Saturday night and continue through Sunday with highs in the low 60s. Drying out Monday with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the mid 50s.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The latest federal agricultural report reveals that the number of cattle currently in feedlots across the United States has decreased by one percent compared to previous periods.
According to data released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the modest decline reflects ongoing trends within America’s cattle feeding operations.
The statistics provide insight into the current state of the nation’s livestock industry and feeding patterns at commercial operations nationwide.
America’s potato inventory has experienced a slight decline, dropping 1 percent from levels recorded on April 1, 2025, according to the latest report from the United States Department of Agriculture.
The federal agency’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the updated figures, which track stored potato supplies across the country. The modest reduction reflects current market conditions and seasonal patterns in potato storage and distribution.
These inventory numbers are closely monitored by agricultural economists, food processors, and industry analysts as they provide insight into supply chain trends and potential pricing impacts for consumers.
Agricultural producers nationwide experienced a decline in peanut compensation during the week concluding April 11, according to federal agriculture data.
Growers received an average of 20.3 cents per pound for their farmer stock peanuts, marking a drop of 4.8 cents from the previous reporting period.
The pricing information reflects what farmers earned for their raw peanut crops before processing and distribution to retailers and manufacturers.
A recent article from the United Soybean Board discussing soybean planting information was unable to be retrieved due to technical difficulties with the source website.
The piece, originally titled ‘Beyond the Bean – Planting Edition,’ was published on the United Soybean Board’s website but only shows loading elements and attribution links rather than the full article content.
The United Soybean Board typically provides educational content and resources for farmers and industry professionals regarding soybean cultivation, market information, and agricultural best practices.
Delaware’s soybean farmers stand to benefit from a major federal investment announced today, as three national soybean organizations received $14 million in new funding to expand global markets for American-grown soybeans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service awarded the funding through its newly created America First Trade Promotion Program to the American Soybean Association, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health.
These organizations plan to use the federal dollars to provide international buyers with technical assistance, market data, and other resources designed to increase their preference for American soybeans over competitors from other countries.
“This AFTPP funding is a welcome and especially timely opportunity coming just as new trade agreements are opening doors, and diversifying demand for U.S. Soy in international markets,” said Mike McCranie, who chairs the U.S. Soybean Export Council board and farms in South Dakota. “USSEC is eager to turn that momentum and this new investment into export sales and measurable returns for U.S. soybean farmers.”
Ohio farmer Scott Metzger, who leads the American Soybean Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining market share abroad. “For soybean farmers, demand is everything,” Metzger said. “This funding helps strengthen long-term market access and ensures U.S. Soy remains competitive in a global marketplace, keeping American farmers at the forefront of growing global demand.”
The funding will also support efforts in developing nations where protein sources remain limited, according to Morey Hill, an Iowa farmer who chairs the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health. “The AFTPP funding supports WISHH and U.S. Soy to capitalize on years of market development efforts in developing and emerging markets,” Hill said. “This funding will allow WISHH to launch new and innovative programs with partners who are eager to try U.S. Soy.”
The organizations outlined several key initiatives for the funding, including training programs for overseas food processors and feed manufacturers, support for local food processing businesses in protein-deficient regions, promotion of soy-based food products, and sustainability programs highlighting the environmental benefits of American soybean farming practices.
The America First Trade Promotion Program launched in 2025 as a tool to help American agriculture take advantage of new international market opportunities while maintaining existing trade relationships and expanding into new export destinations. The program works alongside other USDA export promotion efforts including the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Chicken Council has officially filed comments with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service endorsing the agency’s proposed 18-month postponement of new poultry grower payment regulations.
The industry group submitted formal documentation backing the delay of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule, originally scheduled to become effective July 1, 2026.
Federal agriculture officials first suggested the delay back in March following an assessment of the regulation’s potential financial impact on poultry operations nationwide.
Beyond supporting the postponement, the National Chicken Council is advocating for complete elimination of the rule altogether.
The United States Department of Agriculture has officially declared nine Maryland counties as primary natural disaster areas on April 17, 2026, following prolonged drought conditions that have severely impacted agricultural operations during the current growing season.
Agricultural producers in the counties of Allegany, Carroll, and Charles are among those receiving the federal disaster designation, which will unlock emergency assistance programs for farmers dealing with crop losses and livestock challenges caused by the extended period of insufficient rainfall.
The drought disaster declaration comes as farmers across the affected regions continue to struggle with water shortages that have hampered planting schedules and threatened crop yields during critical growing months.
This federal designation will allow eligible farmers and ranchers access to low-interest emergency loans and other disaster relief programs administered through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to help recover from drought-related agricultural losses.
Agricultural operations across America face tight profit margins, and access to cost-effective energy sources can determine whether farmers stay in business or fail. However, obtaining government assistance for renewable energy projects has become significantly harder following Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The new administration has taken an antagonistic stance toward clean energy initiatives, instead championing fossil fuel development as crucial to America’s energy independence. A joint investigation by The Associated Press and Grist examined how shifting federal energy policies are impacting agricultural communities.
Their research revealed that two essential programs supporting clean energy expansion — the rural-focused REAP initiative and clean energy tax incentives — have faced dramatic reductions. Since the current fiscal year began on October 1st, investigators discovered the U.S. Department of Agriculture has distributed zero dollars through rural energy grants or loan guarantees.
The Rural Energy for America Program, known as REAP, provides financial assistance through grants and loans to agricultural producers and rural enterprises pursuing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panel installations to reduce electricity expenses. Since its launch approximately twenty years ago, REAP has supported tens of thousands of clean energy and efficiency initiatives, distributing grants exceeding $1.8 billion.
The initiative received substantial additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 and enjoyed support from both political parties until recently.
However, the Grist-AP investigation of USDA records revealed the program has allocated zero dollars toward renewable energy development since September. The agency has failed to restart REAP’s grant application process despite promising to do so last October. While the loan guarantee component — designed for larger agricultural and rural business initiatives — remains technically available, researchers found no new agreements have been approved this fiscal year.
On March 31st, the USDA announced it was halting all REAP grant distributions to revise regulations according to a Trump executive directive issued in July.
A USDA representative described the halt as temporary but provided no timeline for resumption.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005, enacted under President George W. Bush, established a 30% investment tax credit for major clean energy developments, spurring solar industry growth. This tax benefit was renewed for eight years during President Obama’s tenure and extended again under Trump in 2020.
When President Joe Biden enacted the 2022 climate legislation, the tax credit received another extension through 2032 or until certain emissions goals were achieved. However, Trump’s tax legislation approved by Congress last year accelerated the qualification timeline. Commercial solar developments must now begin construction by July 2026 and become operational by December 2027 to qualify for the credit.
The Grist-AP analysis identified at least 126 solar developments proposed since 2024 — all located on or adjacent to agricultural land — currently awaiting regulatory clearance. Combined, these projects would generate approximately 20 gigawatts of renewable electricity, sufficient to supply roughly 4.5 million households.
Several developers are canceling projects, citing inability to meet the accelerated deadlines.
Daniel Bell, who raises sheep in Kentucky, generates additional income by grazing his animals on land leased to a commercial solar facility. The sheep maintain vegetation beneath solar panels. With his expanding herd, Bell requires a new barn and planned to install rooftop solar — until discovering the Trump administration had essentially eliminated the grants that would have enabled the project on his property.
“For him it’s an issue of the freedom to do what he wants in a way that lowers his bills,” Bell explained.
Robert Bonnie, former undersecretary for farm production and conservation at the USDA during the Biden years, predicted the withdrawal from renewable energy funding will impact rural communities nationwide. The USDA’s mission has included investing in rural regions while incorporating rural economic development into climate initiatives.
“In places like Iowa and Texas, renewables matter, not just for additional power, and lower power bills, and clean energy, but also matters for farmers’ pocketbooks,” Bonnie stated. “Anything you do to pull back on that is hugely problematic.”
A Kentucky livestock producer’s experience highlights the growing challenges farmers nationwide face when trying to invest in solar energy following recent federal policy changes.
Daniel Bell, who raises sheep in Kentucky, had planned to install rooftop solar panels on a new barn he needed to construct for his expanding operation. Since his property sits far from existing power infrastructure, solar seemed like the perfect solution for heating the structure.
Bell intended to seek financial assistance through the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program, known as REAP, but discovered the Trump administration had essentially stopped issuing grants through the initiative. This development forced him to abandon his original solar installation plans.
“For me, it’s just been about freedom. Freedom to lower bills, freedom to control my own assets,” Bell explained.
Agricultural operations typically operate with extremely tight profit margins, making cost-cutting measures essential for survival. Many producers have turned to federal assistance programs to help finance solar panel installations on barns, grain storage facilities, and farm offices. Others have explored commercial renewable energy lease agreements as both additional income sources and ways to utilize unused farmland.
During Trump’s second term, two crucial federal initiatives supporting solar energy development – REAP and clean energy tax incentives – have faced significant rollbacks. Analysis conducted by The Associated Press and Grist examining data on both large-scale solar developments and small rural energy projects revealed that the Department of Agriculture has not distributed any rural energy grants or loan guarantees during the current fiscal year.
Reporters reached out to approximately 75 of the nearly 300 developers who have proposed agricultural land projects over the past two years. They discovered these companies are either preparing to operate without federal support or have already suffered millions in losses due to the administration’s revised tax credit policies.
Bell ultimately chose an alternative approach: rather than building on his own property, he requested permission to construct two temporary barns on land owned by a commercial solar operation where he receives payment for grazing his sheep beneath solar panels to maintain vegetation. If approved, these barns could access less expensive power from the solar facility’s operation. However, such opportunities remain unavailable to most farmers.
The impact of these policy modifications varies significantly. Some solar developments face delays due to permitting complications, others proceed as scheduled, and some are accelerating as developers rush to begin construction before tax credits disappear. Collectively, these findings demonstrate how the reduction in federal solar support has affected American agriculture from large corporations to family operations.
President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which established a 30% investment tax credit for large-scale clean energy projects, providing a major boost to the solar industry. This tax credit received extensions under President Barack Obama and again under Trump in 2020.
When President Joe Biden signed the 2022 climate legislation, the tax credit was extended through 2032 or until specific emissions reduction goals were achieved. Last July, Congress passed Trump’s tax legislation, which reversed the timeline for clean energy tax credits. Now commercial solar projects must begin construction by July 2026 and become operational by the end of 2027 to qualify for the credit.
At least 126 solar projects proposed since early 2024 are currently waiting for regulatory approval, according to analysis of the most recent information developers provided to the Energy Information Administration. Each project is located near or on agricultural land, with at least 20% of the surrounding area used for livestock grazing or crop production, and would collectively generate approximately 20 gigawatts of electricity if completed. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, this represents enough renewable energy to power roughly 4.5 million homes.
The compressed timeline has led some developers to abandon projects after determining they cannot move quickly enough to meet the new tax credit deadline.
Bogdan Micu, CEO of German solar developer Alpin Sun, reported his company had to abandon projects representing approximately $6 million in investments totaling about 1,000 megawatts in the northeastern United States.
“Well. We lost our projects,” Micu stated. The company simply could not accelerate its projects sufficiently to meet the deadlines, he explained.
Through REAP, the USDA provides grants and loans to farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses interested in renewable energy installations to reduce utility expenses. According to Richa Patel, a policy specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, REAP has funded over 19,000 grants totaling more than $1.8 billion since its establishment nearly two decades ago, supporting tens of thousands of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.
The program received significant additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 and enjoyed largely bipartisan support until some congressional Republicans began questioning the grant structure. For many farmers whose awards or applications were affected as Trump returned to office, the past year has made farm country’s already challenging economic situation even more difficult.
Elisa Lane, who grows flowers and fruit in Hampstead, Maryland, will always remember the stress she experienced in February 2025 when she learned the Trump administration had frozen her $30,576 REAP grant awarded in 2024 for solar panel installation – without providing any explanation.
“Man, was that so stressful,” said Lane, who spent months worried she would be responsible for the amount she had already contracted a solar company to install. The system was supposed to reduce the burden of her energy bills, which she says averaged around $500 monthly before installing solar.
In March 2025, the agency announced it would release previously awarded grants and loans – but with apparent conditions. The USDA invited recipients to voluntarily revise their proposals to align with Trump’s executive order by “eliminating Biden-era DEIA and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals.”
Despite anxiously awaiting the funds, Lane chose not to revise her proposal after a local USDA representative advised against doing so. The representative assured her she would receive the payment, according to emails reviewed by Grist and the AP. Later that spring, she heard from the USDA that the payment would be released and she could proceed with construction.
She moved forward, paying the full $70,000 cost to install the panels. By August, they were operational on her property. By September, she received her reimbursement check covering approximately half the project cost from USDA – more than six months after the funding was initially frozen.
Over roughly seven months, the USDA froze the program’s grant funding, invited grantees to reapply without climate and diversity language, imposed extensive new restrictions on agricultural solar installations, and suspended future application cycles.
“It was so disruptive,” she said. “I just want to have a farm and be able to focus on my business.”
Now she is doing exactly that. The panels represent a long-term investment in reducing her farm’s substantial energy expenses.
While things eventually worked out for Lane and other recent REAP recipients, analysis of USDA Rural Development data found the program has not committed any funding for renewable energy development since September. Despite the agency indicating it anticipated doing so last October, USDA never reopened REAP’s grant application process. Its loan guarantee program – designed for larger farm and rural business projects – has remained available, though analysis found the agency has awarded no new agreements this fiscal year.
On March 31, the USDA announced suspension of all REAP grant awards so the agency could update program regulations to comply with an executive order Trump issued last July. The agency noted it “will not be making further grant awards until the new regulations are in effect,” but added that REAP guaranteed loans “will continue to be awarded in this time.”
In response to a comment request, a USDA spokesperson said the “suspension of REAP grant awards is temporary” but provided no additional details about how long grants will remain paused. When asked why the USDA has not issued any loans this fiscal year through the program, the spokesperson said the agency “continues to administer REAP in accordance with current guidance” and is “prioritizing program integrity and alignment with Administration direction as it conducts its review.”
Robert Bonnie, who served as undersecretary for farm production and conservation at the USDA under the Biden administration, said any reduction in the program’s funding will impact rural America broadly. Part of the USDA’s long-term role, he explained, has been channeling investment into rural areas while making rural prosperity part of the climate agenda.
“In places like Iowa and Texas, renewables matter, not just for additional power, and lower power bills, and clean energy, but also matters for farmers’ pocketbooks,” Bonnie said. “Anything you do to pull back on that is hugely problematic.”
For RIC Energy North America, a renewable energy developer headquartered in New York City, the solar tax credit changes triggered an urgent effort to advance every project in its pipeline, said CEO Jon Rappe. The company manages approximately 150 solar projects in its North American portfolio, with most developments on unused land, hayfields and former agricultural property.
“Now, some companies are probably going to go out and continue to sign sites, and take some risks, in case there’s an extension of tax credits or something like that,” Rappe said. “But the next generation of projects is not going to happen unless there’s some change at the federal level.”
One of RIC Energy’s developments involves creating 15 acres of solar installations on Tim Covert’s property in the predominantly agricultural community of Sheridan, New York. The community solar project, featuring small-scale arrays that would allow low-income residents to subscribe for monthly utility bill credits, provides a new source of consistent income for Covert, a former dairy farmer who received cancer treatment in the past year and struggled to work as a result.
“I’m 100% cancer-free, but with the treatments, there’s some side effects that take a little while to get rid of,” he said, including mental fog, muscle pain and reduced energy. “So it would be great if they did have it done by fall, and I started getting money.”
Under the agreement, the larger payment, which Covert says equals roughly 25% of his income as an electrical contractor, will not begin until the project is finished and operational – and Covert remains uncertain when that will occur given the changing federal environment. Currently, he receives a small payment simply for leasing his land. He has been told construction could begin as early as late May, though “it seems to be changing a lot.” RIC Energy told reporters that construction is scheduled to begin late summer to early fall.
“I don’t think they’re going to stop now, because they have quite a bit of time and money invested in this thing already,” he said. “So I don’t see them pulling the plug.”
Despite the policy shifts, some clean-energy developers report they are succeeding. Solar energy remains one of the most affordable energy forms, and energy demand continues growing, partly due to artificial intelligence data center construction. Additionally, tax equity sometimes complicated project financing, so losing the tax credit also removed a barrier to completion, said Nick Cohen, president and CEO of Doral LLC, a large-scale solar energy and battery storage developer with about 450 megawatts operating and approximately 16,000 more planned or under construction.
It’s “a very exciting time if you’re a large enough developer that was in the right place at the right time doing large projects,” he said.
“All the new rules really favor the big guys like us.”
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 17, 2026
DELMARVA — Cattle ranchers across Delaware are focusing on strategic planning as dry weather conditions continue, with livestock producers taking proactive steps to safeguard their operations against potential drought impacts. Many farmers are prioritizing reproductive efficiency in their herds as part of their drought management strategy, following the principle that preparation beats scrambling for solutions during a crisis.
Markets
Corn and soybean farmers in eastern states are seeing improved pricing opportunities as robust demand creates favorable conditions. Josh Strine, a graduate research assistant at Purdue University, reports that basis has increased for both crops at levels greater than historical averages would suggest, offering potential benefits for agricultural operations.
At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, corn is bringing $5.01 per bushel for May delivery. Soybeans are trading at $11.23 for May.
Policy
The USDA is seeking farmer input on rising fertilizer costs through a confidential reporting system. Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden says the agency wants as many on-the-ground stories as possible of what American farmers are experiencing. The reporting system extends beyond fertilizer to include other agricultural supply challenges.
Local
Spring planting season is bringing more farm equipment to area roads, requiring extra caution from motorists as slow-moving agricultural vehicles mix with regular traffic.
Forecast
Expect scattered rain showers today with a high near 74°F. Tonight will bring isolated showers then partly cloudy conditions with lows around 53°F. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with highs near 64°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Delaware State Fire Marshal investigators are examining the cause of a blaze that erupted at a chicken house facility in Harrington earlier this week.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the 300 block of Hayfield Road on April 15, 2026, shortly after 3:00 PM following reports of a fire at the poultry operation. The Harrington Fire Company responded to the scene alongside several mutual aid departments from neighboring areas.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered the chicken house engulfed in flames. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken over the investigation to determine what sparked the fire.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 16, 2026
DELMARVA — Spring planting season is in full swing across Delmarva, bringing increased farm equipment traffic to area roads. Tractors, combines, and other large machinery are moving between fields as farmers begin spring field prep and planting operations. Motorists and agricultural workers both need extra vigilance to prevent accidents as slow-moving equipment mixes with regular traffic.
Fire
19 fire departments battled a massive poultry house blaze yesterday afternoon in Harrington. The alarm came in at 3:15 p.m., bringing crews to Hayfield Road where 2 buildings, each measuring 60 feet by 500 feet, were fully engulfed. Flames spread to a storage facility and threatened nearby propane tanks. Firefighters brought it under control in about an hour but stayed on scene until 8:30 p.m. dousing hot spots.
Markets
Grain prices retreated today as the rally from Middle East tensions continues fading. Corn at Laurel Grain Company is bringing $4.99 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans are $11.24.
Policy
At the national level, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called foreign purchases of U.S. farmland a significant security threat, particularly pointing to Chinese acquisitions.
Forecast
The area is finishing this afternoon near 79 degrees under partly sunny skies. Tonight drops to 61 with partly cloudy conditions. Tomorrow brings a chance of rain showers with highs around 74.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
A special recognition ceremony took place today at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, where three farming families were honored for their remarkable dedication to agriculture spanning more than 100 years.
These families were formally welcomed into the Delaware Century Farm Program, which was created in 1987 to recognize farming families who have maintained ownership and actively worked their land for at least a century.
The ceremony celebrated not only the agricultural achievements of these families but also their role in preserving Delaware’s rich farming traditions and heritage. Each family represents generations of commitment to working the same land, creating lasting legacies of cultivation and stewardship.
The Delaware Century Farm Program serves as an important recognition of the state’s agricultural roots and honors families who have contributed to maintaining the First State’s farming culture through multiple generations.
The United States industrial hemp market has reached a substantial $739 million in value for 2025, according to newly released federal agricultural data.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service has documented this milestone for the hemp industry, which has experienced remarkable expansion since federal legalization removed previous restrictions on cultivation.
This valuation reflects the growing acceptance and commercial viability of hemp products across various industries, from textiles and construction materials to food products and wellness items.
The hemp sector’s growth represents a significant development in American agriculture, providing farmers with new crop opportunities and contributing to rural economic development nationwide.
Federal agencies continue to monitor and report on this emerging agricultural market as it establishes itself within the broader farming economy.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2026 – Armed with fresh retail and federal agriculture data that highlights California Proposition 12’s harmful effects on both farmers and shoppers, 105 American pork farmers representing 23 states traveled to Capitol Hill this week to lobby federal legislators about protecting their operations.
Analysis conducted by researchers at North Dakota State University’s Agricultural Risk Policy Center reveals that price hikes linked to Prop. 12 have continued, even two full years since the regulation went into complete effect. When comparing California’s price jumps to those across the rest of the nation, covered pork products cost consumers 20% more on average because of Prop. 12. The most recent data shows the law has pushed pork loin prices up by 32%, rib prices by 22%, shoulder prices by 16%, and bacon prices by 16%.
Additionally, California shoppers have spent an extra $350 million on pork items while their overall pork purchases have dropped substantially because of Prop. 12. With food costs becoming increasingly burdensome, Prop. 12 keeps generating instability for agricultural operations and is creating an unworkable maze of differing state animal housing regulations.
The NPPC supports the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (also known as Farm Bill 2.0) which provides security to family farming operations nationwide by preventing any single state from dictating agricultural methods for farmers operating beyond its boundaries.
“We’re all singing from the same songbook – real pork producers of all sizes. We need relief from a patchwork of state animal housing laws, which will surely be the nail in the coffin for a number of farms across the country,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington, Iowa. “The mission is clear: We need Congress to exercise their authority and fix Prop. 12.”
A coalition representing millions of agricultural producers and members has urged Congress to prevent one state from imposing its regulations on farming operations throughout the country.
Veterinary professionals also oppose Prop. 12. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that Prop. 12 does “not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.”
The National Pork Producers Council and the more than 60,000 farming operations it represents will keep spearheading efforts for producers to operate their enterprises without interference from regulations imposed by other states.
WASHINGTON—Agricultural entrepreneurs nationwide have the opportunity to win significant funding through a business competition designed specifically for rural innovators addressing farming challenges.
The American Farm Bureau Federation has partnered with Farm Credit to distribute $145,000 in startup funding through their annual Ag Innovation Challenge. This program supports entrepreneurs developing solutions for both longstanding agricultural problems and emerging issues affecting farming communities and rural areas.
Previous competition winners have included cutting-edge livestock protection technology, automated robots designed to keep farmers safely out of grain storage facilities, and hydroelectric systems for crop irrigation—demonstrating the diverse range of innovative solutions the program supports.
This marks the 13th consecutive year for the competition, which was pioneering as the nation’s first business contest dedicated entirely to rural entrepreneurship.
Prize distribution includes $100,000 for the top winner, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 each for the remaining two finalists who reach the final round.
The application deadline is set for June 5, with ten semifinalists to be announced September 2. These selected teams will present virtual pitches competing for advancement to the final four round.
For media inquiries, contact Mike Tomko, AFBF communications director, at 202-406-3642 or [email protected], or Bailey Corwine, AFBF communications manager, at 202-406-3643 or [email protected].
BLUEMONT, Va.—This April marks National Garlic Month, highlighting an essential kitchen ingredient that Virginia farmers are cultivating right in their backyard to satisfy growing consumer demand.
The month-long celebration recognizes the nutritional value, adaptability, and rich flavors of garlic that enhance dishes across different cooking traditions worldwide. Data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture shows that 9,231 farming operations cultivate garlic on 34,445 acres nationwide, generating more than $213 million in revenue during 2024.
Located in Loudoun County, Snickers Run Garlic Farm represents one of Virginia’s 195 garlic-producing operations. Farm operators Peter and Kathy Durand annually cultivate thousands of pounds across four distinct varieties: Music, German Extra Hardy, Chesnok Red, and Elephant garlic.
Beyond marketing fresh bulbs through farmers markets and internet sales, the couple creates specialty products including garlic powder, black garlic, scapes, and pickled garlic items.
“Each variety has its own characteristics—some are more robust and spicier, while others are milder and slightly sweet,” Peter said. “Chesnok Red is very popular with customers, especially for roasting, because it develops a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor when cooked.”
The Durands focus on hardneck garlic types that flourish in Northern Virginia’s cooler weather conditions. These hardneck varieties feature prominent stems and substantial cloves, earning recognition from professional chefs and home cooks for their intricate, bold taste profiles. In contrast, softneck garlic adapts better to warmer regions, producing smaller, densely arranged cloves with flexible stalks perfect for braiding and extended storage.
Farmers typically plant garlic during autumn months, allowing the crop to experience necessary cold temperatures throughout winter that promote proper bulb formation. Early spring brings the harvest of green garlic, followed by scapes and fully developed bulbs in late June.
Following harvest, bulbs undergo a curing period lasting several weeks—a vital process that enhances flavor development and enables appropriate storage conditions.
“Virginia is a great place to grow garlic, and it’s exciting to see more interest in locally grown specialty crops like this,” Peter said.
In Culpeper County, Don Haight, Jr. cultivates multiple garlic varieties across his 6-acre agricultural operation. Along with standard garlic bulbs and scapes, he focuses on producing black garlic—a specialized product created through extended aging in carefully monitored conditions.
“The aging process takes several months,” said Haight, owner of Farmer D’s Black Garlic, explaining that the cloves transform into a smooth, pliable consistency perfect for cooking applications or serving as a spread on crackers.
“It’s sweet and savory, like a date or a fig,” he described.
Haight chose to pursue black garlic production due to its enhanced health properties. Traditional garlic contains beneficial antioxidants and vitamins while supporting immune system function, but black garlic has gained popularity for its elevated antioxidant levels and potential benefits for blood sugar regulation and cholesterol reduction.
Those interested in garlic cultivation can view Real Virginia’s From the Ground Up program, while garlic recipe ideas are available on Heart of the Home. Local garlic producers can be located through the Virginia Grown directory.
Middle East tensions continue to create ripple effects for American agriculture, with shipping disruptions in critical waterways extending fertilizer supply shortages that farmers are already facing.
Agricultural producer John Halcomb recently spoke with NPR’s A Martinez about how these international developments are creating challenges for his farming operation and shaping his business perspective.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in blocked shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global commerce. This disruption has made existing fertilizer shortages even more severe, creating uncertainty for farmers who depend on these materials for their crops.
Halcomb’s comments highlight the interconnected nature of global supply chains and how international conflicts can directly impact local agricultural businesses across the United States.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 16, 2026
DELMARVA — Delaware cattle producers are sitting on record equity as beef prices continue climbing to historic levels. However, those high values also mean each hundredweight now carries significantly more financial exposure than in previous years, leaving cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the region with more at stake in today’s volatile market.
Markets
Federal agricultural analysts bumped corn prices up to $4.15 per bushel in their latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Projections for the 2025 to 2026 U.S. corn market remain steady, with feed consumption and other uses holding at 6.2 billion bushels.
In local cash markets, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.02 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans are at $11.28 for May. Over in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Triple-M Farms is paying $5.22 for corn and $11.53 for soybeans.
Forecast
Mostly sunny skies are expected today with temperatures climbing to 83 degrees under light southwest winds. Good planting weather is forecast if fields are ready. Tomorrow brings a chance of rain showers with highs around 78 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Americans have never paid more for steaks and hamburgers, but bringing down those costs would require cattle producers like Stephanie Hatzenbuhler to expand their operations — a challenge that’s far from simple.
Multiple factors are making Hatzenbuhler and ranchers nationwide hesitant to expand the country’s cattle population, which has shrunk to its smallest size in over seven decades. Until herd numbers increase, consumer demand will continue exceeding available supply, keeping beef costs elevated.
While expanding operations makes financial sense for some producers, others are barely managing with their current livestock numbers, according to Hatzenbuhler.
“They’re good times, and they’re bad times,” she said. “It’s a combination of both.”
This spring, Hatzenbuhler faces critical decisions as approximately 700 calves are born on her family’s Diamond J Angus operation, spanning over 2,000 wind-swept acres near Mandan, North Dakota. She must choose between expanding her herd or maintaining current numbers by selling an equivalent amount of cattle for processing.
While herd size isn’t the sole determinant of grocery store beef costs, the declining cattle population significantly contributes to current pricing. Federal data shows uncooked ground beef averaged $6.86 per pound nationally in March, just 3 cents below February’s record peak. This represents a nearly 48% increase from March 2021 levels.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, America’s cattle population peaked at 132 million head in 1975, then gradually declined to 86 million this year.
Despite the dramatically smaller herd, improved genetics and feeding methods have enabled ranchers to produce significantly more meat per animal. This efficiency helped the nation achieve record beef production of 28.4 billion pounds in 2022, explained Tim Petry, a livestock marketing specialist at North Dakota State University. Production is projected to reach about 26 billion pounds by 2026.
Approximately 2.5 billion pounds of beef were shipped overseas in 2025, creating tight domestic supply that, combined with strong consumer demand, has driven prices to record levels.
While ranchers recognize the elevated prices, they confront numerous obstacles to herd expansion, particularly drought conditions.
Dry weather has affected much of cattle-producing regions, with roughly 63% of the U.S. cattle herd located in drought-stricken areas, USDA data shows. Some regions have also experienced massive wildfires that destroyed grazing grass.
“You’ve got to have rain. You’ve got to have grass to keep cows on because they’re out on pastures for over half the year, and so that’s been the dilemma, is we had forced liquidation of cows,” Petry said.
During calving season, producers must decide whether to keep young female cattle called heifers and calves for breeding purposes, with pasture conditions serving as a major consideration, said Bernt Nelson, an American Farm Bureau Federation economist.
Feed represents ranchers’ largest expense, and drought in states like Texas and Oklahoma has forced them to transport supplies from distant locations. These additional expenses make herd expansion financially challenging.
“When these pasture conditions deteriorate, and water becomes an issue, some of these states have to go as far as to haul hay, haul water from other regions of the country that have grass and easy access to water, and that adds a significant cost to operations,” Nelson said.
Even if ranchers decided to increase cattle numbers, calves require 15 to 24 months to mature before processing.
Producers frequently point to concentrated meat processing — dominated by four major companies — as responsible for high beef prices, though the situation involves multiple factors.
The Meat Institute, representing processing companies, stated that retailers and food service businesses, not processors, determine consumer prices. The organization noted that livestock producers were “earning record profits” while processors faced losses.
The trade group also contended that industry concentration levels haven’t “changed appreciably” over three decades.
“Rhetoric about beef industry concentration implies that consolidation in the beef packing sector is ongoing and that market power is becoming increasingly concentrated. That is not the case,” the organization stated.
John Robinson, representing the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, acknowledged multiple price factors, sometimes including processor responsibility, but emphasized that “it’s far more complicated than most people will give it credit for.”
Price increases also stem from U.S.-Mexico border restrictions on livestock imports, implemented to prevent spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. These restrictions, beginning in late 2024, have blocked approximately 1 million cattle from entering the U.S. from Mexico, according to Warren Rusche, an extension feedlot specialist at South Dakota State University.
The border restrictions particularly impact feedlot operations and ranchers who graze cattle in southern plains states.
While President Donald Trump has proposed increasing beef imports from Argentina, the expanded quota would represent only a minimal fraction of U.S. beef production, Rusche noted.
Hatzenbuhler, the North Dakota producer, isn’t becoming wealthy, but for ranchers who own their land and equipment, current conditions favor cattle operations. The situation is less favorable for newcomers, given high costs for everything from machinery to fertilizer and worker shortage challenges.
“If you’re a young guy and want to get in, it’s probably not the time to do it, but if you’re kind of established and been doing this for a while, you’re doing good,” she said.
California rancher Mike Williams said he wouldn’t discourage newcomers from entering the business but would advise caution about overextending financially.
“I would say that we’re finally maybe getting a fair price,” Williams said. “I think people are starting to realize the value of beef, and they’re finding that they’re willing to pay maybe a little more than they have in the past for the quality of the product that they’re getting.”
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 15, 2026
DELMARVA — Soybean markets posted gains Wednesday on fund and technical buying activity. Market sentiment has improved regarding potential high-level trade talks between the United States and China anticipated for mid-May, following a social media announcement from President Trump.
The direct meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi was initially scheduled for late April or early May but has been postponed to the middle of next month.
Crop Health
Virginia’s strawberry farming community is battling a significant outbreak of Neo-P disease. The outbreak has prompted local growers to implement defensive strategies to protect their harvests. Agricultural specialists are closely monitoring the situation as producers work to minimize the impact on strawberry production.
Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.01 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are $11.27 for May.
Forecast
Mostly sunny skies are expected Wednesday afternoon with temperatures near 86 degrees and south winds at 10 miles per hour. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 63 degrees. Thursday looks mostly sunny with a high near 84 degrees and southwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Friday brings a chance for rain showers with temperatures near 78 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Beautiful spring weather is creating exceptional fishing opportunities across Maryland waters this week, with state Department of Natural Resources crews actively stocking trout throughout management areas. Among the highlights for trout enthusiasts are the distinctive golden rainbow trout that consistently bring joy to anglers.
Water Conditions Outlook: April 15-21
Chesapeake Bay waters are warming significantly as gamefish migrate toward spawning grounds. Monitoring buoys show main bay surface temperatures and river mouth readings now reaching the low to mid-50s. Smaller waterways maintain temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s, though protected areas and sunny downstream sections can reach the low 60s on warm days.
These conditions create ideal environments for white perch (optimal spawning at 54-57 degrees) and hickory shad (55-65 degrees) as they advance toward downstream river sections preparing for spawning in coming weeks. Striped bass are actively moving to spawning locations in low-salinity bay areas and tidal rivers where temperatures range from 57-66 degrees.
River flows remain at typical levels statewide. Enhanced tidal movements are expected throughout the week following the April 17 new moon phase.
Upper Chesapeake Region
Hickory shad fishing continues to provide exciting catch-and-release opportunities at Conowingo Dam pool, Deer Creek mouth, multiple shoreline locations, and Octoraro Creek. Anglers find success with colorful sinking flies, shad darts, and reflective spoons, with preferred colors varying based on water clarity and light conditions.
White perch are arriving in the lower Susquehanna River, while warmer tidal waterways show post-spawning white perch activity. Prime locations include the Magothy, Chester, Gunpowder, Bush, Patapsco, and Sassafras rivers. Small jig heads paired with grass shrimp remain the preferred approach.
Blue catfish activity has increased in lower tidal river sections, with the lower Susquehanna, Chester, Gunpowder, Patapsco, and Magothy rivers offering excellent opportunities. Many catches in these areas are notably large specimens. Oily cut baits and scented options work effectively, though circle hooks are recommended due to potential striped bass encounters.
Striped bass catch-and-release fishing continues within designated areas, bounded by a line from Abby Point to Worton Point. Popular techniques include trolling barbless hook lures and jigging with large soft plastics.
Mid-Bay Waters
Striped bass catch-and-release fishing has performed well this month, with warmer temperatures making bay fishing more comfortable. Trolling and jigging along main channel edges attracts striped bass moving up the bay. Post-spawn fish are leaving the upper Choptank after two weeks of spawning activity, requiring careful catch-and-release practices.
White perch remain accessible in upper Choptank River and Tuckahoe sections, though anglers will encounter post-spawn fish moving downstream. Effective baits include 1/16-ounce or 1/8-ounce jig heads with grass shrimp, minnow pieces, or bloodworms. Bottom rigs work well in deeper areas.
Blue catfish are abundant in the Choptank River from Dover Bridge to Denton. Target deeper channel edges around river bends and deep shelves adjacent to channels. Most Choptank blue catfish weigh under 30 pounds, making them excellent table fare. Cut baits like gizzard shad, menhaden, or white perch prove effective, along with scented options.
Lower Bay Region
Post-spawn striped bass are moving down the Potomac River toward the bay, while spawning continues in the Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers. Earlier spawners are reaching lower bay areas, where menhaden schools along steep channel edges attract striped bass.
Trolling large barbless bucktails with chartreuse or white soft plastics remains popular for catch-and-release striped bass. Light tackle anglers enjoy success jigging with large soft plastics and fishing shallow bay shorelines.
Hickory and American shad fishing excels in the Potomac River below Chain Bridge, with low flows and warm temperatures creating ideal conditions. Shad respond to flashy spoons, shad darts, and bright sinking flies. Mason Branch of Mattawoman Creek also provides excellent hickory shad opportunities.
Blue catfish fishing is outstanding along main channel edges in lower bay tidal rivers. The Potomac River from Route 301 Bridge to Wilson Bridge holds abundant blue catfish. The Patuxent from Benedict through Jug Bay and Nanticoke near Sharptown also offer excellent fishing. Various baits work, including cut gizzard shad, menhaden, white perch, live bluegill, scented baits, chicken liver, cheese, and even processed foods.
White perch are completing spawning runs and returning to lower river sections. Target areas below spawning reaches in the Potomac, Patuxent, Nanticoke, Pocomoke, and Wicomico rivers. Light jig heads with grass shrimp, minnow, or bloodworm pieces work in confined waters, while bottom rigs excel in deeper areas.
Inland Fishing
Put-and-take trout waters in central and western regions top freshwater angling priorities this week. Beyond regular stockings, hatchery crews are releasing large breeder trout exceeding 26 inches. The trout stocking website provides real-time updates, with email subscribers receiving daily location notifications.
Upper Potomac River flows remain steady but seasonally low with clear water. Anglers make long casts to current breaks, boulders, and submerged ledges using swimbaits, crankbaits, and tubes for smallmouth bass.
Deep Creek Lake warming brings largemouth and smallmouth bass near rocky points, sunken timber, and emerging vegetation. Northern pike frequent cove mouths while yellow perch patrol steep shorelines.
Largemouth bass across Maryland are entering pre-spawn behavior patterns. Larger females hold in transition waters outside shallows while feeding aggressively. Smaller males occupy shallow areas, with some creating spawning beds. Various lures effectively target feeding females.
Rising temperatures increase Chesapeake Channa (snakehead) activity. Target sunny creek sides during afternoon hours using white paddletails, chatterbaits, and large minnows under popping corks or bobbers near shoreline structure.
Youth fishing rodeos offer excellent opportunities to introduce children to fishing, even for inexperienced adults. These events typically occur at small ponds and lakes designed for beginner success.
Ocean and Coastal Waters
Surf anglers report increasing black drum numbers along Assateague beaches. Sand fleas and peeler crab serve as top baits. Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge areas produce tautog on sand fleas and crab pieces, flounder on Gulp baits and squid strips, and mostly undersized striped bass for catch-and-release.
Flounder numbers are increasing, with ebbing tides producing optimal results in inlet channels. Striped bass provide excellent catch-and-release action at Route 90 and Verrazzano bridges using soft plastic jigs and paddletails. Most catches fall below the 28-inch minimum, though occasional fish reach the 28-31 inch slot.
Inshore and offshore wreck and reef sites hold tautog responding to crab baits, with flounder also available for targeted anglers.
A major agricultural investment is coming to Virginia’s Rockingham County as the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Inc. (VPGC) moves forward with a massive $113.9 million expansion project. Governor Abigail Spanberger revealed the development, which is projected to bring 146 new employment opportunities while boosting the state’s farming sector.
The centerpiece of this multi-stage development involves building an advanced feed mill and grain processing operation with storage capacity reaching nearly two million cubic feet. This facility will hold the distinction of having the East Coast’s largest feed mill capacity. The enhanced operations will enable VPGC to handle 4.5 million additional turkeys annually and source 2.4 million more bushels of corn and wheat from local Virginia producers during the upcoming three-year period.
The comprehensive project encompasses several other improvements, including construction of a new rail connection at the Linville location, water treatment system enhancements at the Hinton site, expanded turkey processing capabilities, and increased support for area family farming operations.
VPGC operates as a farmer-owned enterprise that distributes 100% of its profits to Virginia farmers, ensuring agricultural revenue stays within local communities. The cooperative has evolved since its 2004 establishment to become a major commercial turkey processor in the United States, specializing in antibiotic-free and organic products for both domestic and international customers.
State officials facilitated the development through collaborative efforts involving multiple governmental levels. Governor Spanberger authorized $2.25 million in grant funding, which includes performance-based incentives, agricultural development support, and rail infrastructure assistance.
This significant investment highlights agriculture’s importance as an economic catalyst, generating employment opportunities, enhancing farm sustainability, and promoting sustained development throughout rural Virginia communities.
The Environmental Protection Agency revealed new federal guidelines on March 27, 2026, designed to tackle recurring problems with Diesel Exhaust Fluid systems that have plagued farmers, truckers, and diesel equipment users nationwide. The EPA made this announcement during the White House Great American Agriculture Celebration as part of ongoing efforts to resolve operational and safety issues connected to these systems.
Understanding DEF Systems and Their Problems
Diesel Exhaust Fluid technology serves as an essential element in today’s diesel engines, created to cut nitrogen oxide emissions using selective catalytic reduction methods. Despite their effectiveness in meeting emissions standards, these systems—especially the DEF quality sensors—have experienced numerous breakdowns.
Equipment users have documented that defective sensors trigger unexpected power cuts, speed restrictions, or total equipment shutdowns, even when engines are running properly. These breakdowns have created safety hazards, productivity losses, missed agricultural seasons, and expensive repair bills for farmers and transport companies across the nation.
Details of the Updated EPA Guidelines
The revised EPA guidelines eliminate the federal mandate requiring DEF quality sensors on diesel machinery. Equipment manufacturers can now use NOx sensors instead as an acceptable method for meeting emissions regulations.
EPA officials state that dropping the DEF sensor mandate offers immediate operational flexibility to manufacturers and provides relief to equipment operators, while continuing to ensure emissions compliance through alternative monitoring technologies.
Financial Benefits and Industry Response
The EPA projects significant financial benefits from these updated guidelines:
• Annual savings of $4.4 billion for agricultural producers, based on U.S. Small Business Administration calculations
• Nationwide total yearly savings of $13.79 billion, resulting from decreased repair expenses and reduced equipment downtime
Trade organizations and equipment operators have praised the modification, emphasizing that DEF sensor malfunctions were a primary cause of warranty issues and work disruptions, especially during busy farming and shipping periods.
Previous and Ongoing Initiatives
The March 27 guidelines build upon earlier EPA measures to tackle DEF-related issues:
• During August 2025, the EPA urged manufacturers to update DEF software to minimize sudden performance reductions
• In February 2026, the EPA required comprehensive failure information from 14 leading manufacturers controlling over 80% of the DEF component market
• The agency has also reinforced equipment owners’ Right to Repair privileges, covering DEF system repairs
EPA representatives have suggested that additional regulatory changes may be forthcoming, potentially including new rules to address DEF-related performance issues in future engine models.
Impact on Farmers and Diesel Equipment Users
For agricultural producers, truckers, and equipment owners, these guidelines could:
• Decrease unexpected equipment breakdowns
• Lower maintenance and repair expenses
• Improve equipment dependability during critical work periods
• Provide manufacturers with more compliance design options
Equipment operators should understand that these guidelines affect federal emissions standards and do not remove all emissions controls—instead, they permit alternative compliance methods that may prove more dependable in everyday use.
Future Outlook
The EPA’s decision represents a movement toward finding balance between emissions compliance and the practical reliability issues voiced by agricultural and transportation sectors. As more information is analyzed and additional regulations are developed, equipment owners and manufacturers should monitor ongoing regulatory changes.
New federal statistics reveal continued growth in the nation’s chicken production industry, with increases recorded in both egg settings and chick placements across the United States.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of broiler-type eggs placed in hatcheries nationwide climbed 2 percent compared to previous periods.
The data also shows that broiler-type chicks placed for grow-out operations increased by 3 percent across the country, indicating sustained demand in the poultry sector.
These figures reflect the ongoing activity in America’s chicken production pipeline, from initial egg incubation through the placement of young birds at growing facilities that will eventually supply the nation’s food chain.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 15, 2026
DELMARVA — Strawberry growers in Virginia are battling an outbreak of Neo-P disease that’s threatening crops across the region. According to Virginia Farm Bureau, producers are implementing defensive strategies to protect their harvests as agricultural specialists monitor the situation and develop best practices for managing the disease.
Policy
Farm leaders in Congress are pushing for approximately $15 billion in financial assistance for farmers as lawmakers return to Washington. According to Agri-Pulse, time’s running short to secure the aid package along with disaster relief for states hit by wildfires and other natural catastrophes.
Markets
Dairy trading at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange showed mixed results today. Nonfat dry milk climbed 2.5 cents to $2.1650 per pound. Cheese blocks gained 0.25 cents to $1.5775. Butter held steady at $1.90.
Locally, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.01 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans are $11.29 for May.
Forecast
Sunny skies are expected today with highs near 83°F and southwest winds around 10 mph. Thursday stays mostly sunny, 83°F again with lighter winds. Friday brings a chance of rain showers with highs near 78°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Virginia Farm Bureau has released an educational video showcasing the fascinating transformation of fresh goat milk into handcrafted soap products.
The video demonstration walks viewers through the complete process, highlighting how farmers take raw goat milk and convert it into artisanal soap through traditional methods.
This educational content illustrates the value-added opportunities available to agricultural producers, showing how basic farm products can be transformed into specialty items with higher market value.
The presentation emphasizes the connection between livestock farming and artisanal product creation, demonstrating one way farmers can diversify their operations and income streams.
Virginia’s strawberry farming community is facing a significant agricultural challenge as they work to combat the spread of Neo-P disease threatening their crops.
The disease outbreak has prompted local growers to implement various defensive strategies to protect their strawberry harvests and maintain their agricultural operations.
Farming experts and agricultural specialists are closely monitoring the situation as producers work to address this emerging threat to one of the region’s important crop varieties.
The agricultural community continues to develop and share best practices for managing this disease challenge while working to minimize its impact on local strawberry production.
Property owners across Virginia are finding innovative ways to maintain the historical integrity of their century-old farmhouses while making them suitable for modern living and farming operations.
A recent video documentary showcases various approaches being taken throughout the Commonwealth to ensure these agricultural landmarks continue serving their communities while honoring their past.
The featured properties demonstrate how careful restoration work can preserve architectural details and historical significance without sacrificing functionality for today’s farming families and operations.
These preservation efforts represent a broader movement across Virginia’s rural communities to maintain connections to agricultural traditions while embracing necessary updates for contemporary farm management and family life.
A fresh partnership is blooming between a local mushroom operation and a culinary professional, demonstrating the growing farm-to-table movement in the region.
Capstone Mushrooms has joined forces with Chef Kenny Sloane in a collaboration that emphasizes the connection between local agriculture and restaurant kitchens. The partnership showcases how chefs are increasingly turning to nearby farms to source fresh, high-quality ingredients for their menus.
This alliance represents a broader trend in the culinary world where restaurants prioritize locally grown produce to ensure freshness while supporting regional farmers. The collaboration between the mushroom grower and the chef illustrates the benefits of direct relationships between agricultural producers and food service professionals.
The partnership highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices and the value of knowing where food originates before it reaches the dining table.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 15, 2026
DELMARVA — Poultry producers nationwide continue battling infectious bronchitis virus, one of the costliest health challenges in today’s industry. The respiratory disease hits both broilers and layers hard, spreading easily between birds and mutating quickly. Industry experts say the virus’s rapid genetic changes make control difficult, especially when it combines with other respiratory infections.
Markets
May corn futures closed Tuesday at $4.43 per bushel, up 2.75 cents. May soybeans dropped 4.25 cents to $11.58 per bushel. Chicago May wheat gained 9.75 cents, settling at $5.92. June live cattle finished up $2.90 at $251.42 per hundredweight.
Forecast
Sunny skies are expected today with highs reaching 83 degrees and southwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Perfect conditions for field work across Delmarva. Thursday looks mostly sunny, highs again near 83 with similar winds. Rain chances arrive Friday with showers possible through the weekend.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
A leading dairy industry official recently emphasized how environmental stewardship practices can significantly impact farm profitability and market competitiveness during a television interview.
Alan Bjerga, who serves as Executive Vice President for the National Milk Producers Federation, spoke with RFD-TV about the critical role that quality stewardship plays in dairy farm economics. According to Bjerga, the nation’s approach of farmer-driven, voluntary programs designed to improve environmental practices serves a dual purpose.
These initiatives not only strengthen the ability of American dairy producers to compete in international markets but also bolster financial stability for operations domestically, Bjerga explained. He stressed that this connection between responsible farming practices and economic benefits represents an important message for consumers and the broader public to understand.
The discussion highlighted how environmental stewardship has become increasingly important for dairy operations looking to maintain their competitive edge both at home and abroad.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 14, 2026
DELMARVA — Mid-April heat continues across Delmarva with temperatures pushing well into the 80s, providing ideal conditions for fieldwork and early season growth. Farmers wrapped up another productive day with soil moisture levels holding steady after last week’s rainfall.
Planting operations are running ahead of schedule across the peninsula with corn emergence looking strong in early planted fields. Meanwhile, wheat stands are progressing through jointing stage under favorable conditions.
Markets
Corn futures closed at $5.18 per bushel. Soybeans settled at $11.42. Wheat finished at $6.71. Locally, number 2 yellow corn is bringing $4.90 at Delmarva elevators. Soybeans are running $10.85.
Forecast
Another warm evening is expected with mostly clear skies and temperatures dropping to 61 degrees under light southwest winds. Wednesday brings more sunshine with highs climbing to 86 degrees and southwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Perfect conditions for spraying and fieldwork continue.
No rainfall is expected through mid-week, so irrigation planning may be necessary for newly planted fields and vegetable operations.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Delaware’s agricultural sector received a boost today as state and federal agencies formalized their commitment to balancing productive farming with environmental protection through a renewed partnership agreement.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed a new Memorandum of Understanding that outlines their joint commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices across the First State. The agreement emphasizes the dual goals of maintaining productive farms that feed local communities while protecting environmental quality for all residents.
The comprehensive partnership agreement addresses multiple areas of collaboration, including communication strategies, educational initiatives, environmental stewardship programs, funding opportunities, and regulatory oversight programs designed to support Delaware’s farming community.
A new committee designed to give farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed a stronger voice in environmental restoration efforts has completed its first year of operations, with two Delaware representatives playing key roles.
The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Agricultural Advisory Committee launched in March 2025 during a critical period as the bay restoration program moves “Beyond 2025.” The committee was established to provide those who farm the land with direct input into leadership decisions affecting the bay’s future.
Fourteen appointed members make up the committee, representing all states within the Chesapeake Bay watershed plus the District of Columbia. Delaware’s representatives include Bill Powers and Will Carlisle, who joined farmers, agricultural business leaders, and technical specialists from across the region. This mix of practical farming experience aims to give the agricultural sector formal representation in restoration planning.
“For too long, agricultural policy was often seen as something happening to farmers rather than with them. The AAC has fundamentally changed that dynamic,” the committee stated in reviewing its first year.
The advisory group serves as an official liaison to the Chesapeake Executive Council and the Principals’ Staff Committee, working to ensure policy decisions reflect actual farming conditions and challenges.
During its first year, the committee achieved several significant milestones. Members helped shape revisions to the “Beyond 2025” Framework and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, successfully ensuring agriculture received explicit representation in the updated agreement. This inclusion is considered crucial since farming operations must deliver a substantial portion of the remaining nutrient reduction targets needed to meet bay restoration goals.
The committee’s initial formal recommendations emphasized that economic sustainability must come first for conservation efforts to succeed. “You can’t ask a farmer to invest in the future of the Bay if they can’t stay in business today,” the group noted.
Other priorities established during the first year included promoting soil health as fundamental to restoration success and pushing for more transparent data systems that properly recognize conservation work already being performed by farmers.
Committee members believe their approach represents a fundamental shift from previous restoration efforts. “We are no longer just reacting to implementation goals; we are helping to write the playbook,” they stated.
Looking ahead to year two, the advisory committee plans to continue advocating for producer interests while maintaining focus on farm viability as essential for achieving water quality and habitat improvements. The group sees farmers as leaders in the next phase of bay restoration rather than simply contributors to pollution problems.
“The message from the first year is clear: when farmers engage as partners rather than just ‘sources’ of runoff, we see record reductions in pollution and stronger rural economies,” the committee concluded.
The Board of Trustees for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation will conduct their next meeting through video conference on February 24, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The virtual session will focus on standard board operations and general organizational matters, according to the meeting announcement.
The foundation works to protect farmland across Maryland through conservation easements and other preservation programs.
Spring planting season has arrived, bringing with it the annual rush to garden centers and nurseries. This year, Delaware gardeners might want to think twice about the materials their gardening supplies are made from, particularly whether those items contain plastic components.
Plastic gardening products eventually deteriorate into tiny fragments known as microplastics, which can seep into our food supply and contaminate landfill sites. These microscopic particles come from everyday items including food containers, cooking tools, cleaning product bottles, and certain fabrics, and researchers have found them in tap water, meals, and even human tissue.
Many gardeners may not realize their backyard soil could be harboring these contaminants.
While garden soil naturally contains millions of helpful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, it may also contain these problematic plastic particles. What options do environmentally aware gardeners have?
Although we cannot undo existing contamination, gardeners can take action to reduce their contribution to plastic pollution while working toward a cleaner environment. These changes might even help save money along the way.
Rather than purchasing plastic starter trays, gardeners could try soil-blocking equipment to create their own planting containers. These metal tools compress a damp blend of compost, peat moss, perlite, and plant nutrients into firm blocks that maintain their shape without additional support.
These compressed blocks actually benefit young plants through a process called air-pruning of roots. Rather than growing in circles and becoming tangled when they reach container walls, plant roots stop extending outward and develop more densely when they encounter air at the block edges. This results in easier transplanting into garden beds.
For those who prefer ready-made options, biodegradable containers made from coconut fiber or composted animal waste offer good alternatives. These products are odorless and resemble cardboard in appearance.
When selecting containers for mature plants, natural materials such as wood or clay pottery work well.
Root crops, herbs, and tomato plants thrive in fabric growing containers available in multiple sizes. Potato-specific versions feature roll-up openings that simplify harvest time. Always check product labels to confirm they use natural rather than artificial fibers.
When available, choose bare-root plants instead of those sold in plastic containers.
Creating a home compost system reduces the need to purchase soil amendments or fertilizers. This eliminates plastic packaging waste while giving gardeners complete control over compost ingredients. If home composting is not feasible, purchasing bulk compost costs less than bagged versions.
Select canvas covers instead of plastic tarps and avoid installing landscape fabric beneath garden beds or border areas. Natural mulching materials like shredded bark, wood chips, or dried leaves effectively suppress weeds, though gravel is recommended in fire-prone areas for safety reasons.
Support climbing plants and tomatoes using stakes made from bamboo, wood, or metal. Fasten them with natural rope materials such as hemp or jute fibers.
Simple wooden craft sticks serve as excellent plant identification markers.
When plastic purchases become necessary, avoid disposable items like flimsy starter trays. Investing in durable products that will last multiple seasons before disposal represents progress in the right direction. Many small improvements will create meaningful change over time.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 14, 2026
DELMARVA — Cattle producers across Delmarva need to stay alert for bovine viral diarrhea, a disease that’s quietly costing operations nationwide. BVD continues to spread silently through herds, undermining animal performance and profitability long before obvious symptoms appear.
Despite regular vaccination programs, this virus affects productivity in ways that often go unnoticed. Experts say many farmers assume their herds are protected, but the infection can persist and reduce performance measures across the board.
Markets
June live cattle closed Monday at $248.52 per hundredweight, down $0.67. August live cattle settled at $244.45, off $0.30. May feeder cattle gained $0.47 to close at $346.25. Lean hog futures moved lower across the board.
Forecast
Mostly sunny skies are expected today with temperatures reaching 80°F and southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Good conditions for field work. Tonight stays partly cloudy with lows near 60°F. Wednesday brings more sunshine with highs climbing to 83°F before a slight chance of showers arrives Wednesday night.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — April 13, 2026
DELMARVA — Spring planting accelerated across Delmarva as another dry week concluded, with soil temperatures holding in the mid-50s to low-60s. Growers from Kent County down through the Eastern Shore are planting corn and soybeans ahead of schedule. Extension agents reported the moisture window has been ideal, but rainfall will be needed within the next 10 days to support germination.
Markets
Corn futures closed Monday at $5.18 per bushel, up $0.03. Soybeans settled at $11.42, down $0.05. Wheat finished at $6.07, up $0.02.
Locally, Delaware spot corn is running $4.95 to $5.05, and soybeans are bringing $11.20 to $11.35 at most elevators.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected this evening with temperatures dropping to 77°F under southwest winds at 15 mph. Tonight will stay mild, down to 57°F with partly cloudy conditions and lighter winds at 5-10 mph.
Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 80°F with continued southwest breezes at 5-10 mph, providing a solid window for fieldwork.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued its most recent evaluation of crop advancement and agricultural conditions nationwide.
The federal agency’s latest assessment tracks the development of various crops and provides insight into current growing conditions across American farmland.
These regular reports from NASS serve as important indicators for farmers, agricultural markets, and food industry professionals monitoring seasonal crop performance throughout the country.
New federal agriculture statistics show turkey production displaying mixed trends as spring gets underway.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of turkey eggs currently in incubation facilities has risen 2% compared to the same period last year as of April 1.
However, the data also shows that fewer young turkeys, known as poults, were successfully hatched during March compared to the same month in the previous year. The report indicates a slight decrease in both hatching numbers and the total number of poults delivered to turkey growing operations.
The statistics reflect ongoing fluctuations in the nation’s turkey industry as producers navigate seasonal breeding cycles and market conditions.
CANFIELD, Ohio — From his combine’s cab, Wayne Greier observes his teenage son Blake maneuvering a tractor across barren fields, preparing plowing equipment for another unpredictable growing season.
Financial stress would be significantly reduced if the solar installation planned for his property had moved forward. However, county commissioners prevented the project in 2023 using Ohio legislation, forcing Greier to liquidate portions of his farm to manage overwhelming medical bills. The blocked agreement would have generated approximately $540,000 annually in rental income.
“It was our saving grace,” he said. “It wasn’t a scary picture that everybody likes to paint about solar and the loss of farmland.”
Community resistance to solar installations has consistently challenged renewable energy developers. However, certain regions are attempting to overturn local prohibitions, emphasizing tax revenue benefits, employment opportunities, and rental payments from energy corporations that offer steady income for agricultural producers in an unstable sector.
When solar developers contacted the 42-year-old sixth-generation farmer about constructing panels on his property, Greier initially remained cautious. However, confronting $1 million in medical expenses from an extended COVID battle and related health issues, he recognized an opportunity to preserve his agricultural operation.
Community members held opposing views.
Greier described how his family faced social isolation as public discussions about the proposal unfolded during town meetings. His psychological well-being deteriorated. The initiative was ultimately prevented under state legislation permitting counties to halt wind and solar construction on designated “restricted” properties.
“I was the one that was going to lose the sixth-generation farm. I was the one that couldn’t provide for my family,” he said.
President Donald Trump’s opposition to renewable energy has damaged the sector by eliminating subsidies, financing options and tax benefits. Even prior to his White House return, municipal prohibitions on clean energy projects were expanding. Research from Columbia University in 2025 revealed a 16% growth in restrictive legislation across 44 states between 2023 and 2024.
“Many communities want to decarbonize and probably theoretically support renewable energy,” said Juniper Katz, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts who focuses on environmental policy. But, she added, “When it’s your community and your backyard, balancing these processes so people feel like they’ve had a say without creating so many veto points that nothing can get done, I think is the trick. And it’s not easy to do.”
During February, Dearborn County, Indiana, administrators suspended solar development for twelve months following resident concerns about panel placement near residential areas and possible environmental effects from panel components.
Bobby Rauen, residing adjacent to a proposed 1,200-acre solar installation in that county, joined residents petitioning for the moratorium. He expressed hope that officials would utilize this period to establish stronger protections for neighbors of potential solar developments. He also worried that agricultural land might not return to farming if solar equipment is eventually dismantled.
Following Mahoning County, Ohio, officials’ decision to stop Greier’s planned 675-acre, 150-megawatt installation, he chose to assist others seeking solar development on their properties, stating he “didn’t want to be a victim.” As a Renewable Energy Farmers of America member, Greier, who primarily cultivates corn and soybeans, has discussed his situation with legislators, advocacy organizations and communities considering green energy development.
He recently addressed government representatives at a public forum in Richland County, Ohio, approximately 100 miles from his residence. Supporters there secured a referendum for this May’s ballot to eliminate the county’s prohibition on wind and solar developments.
Morgan Carroll, a lifelong county resident, has worked since last summer to build support for removing the ban. Although not a farmer or property owner, Carroll advocates for the employment and tax income these projects generate and believes the prohibition removes decision-making power from residents — potentially affecting her two young children’s future.
“I want them to be in a county that can provide jobs, can provide a good school for them,” she said. “I don’t want to have to move.”
Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration accelerated deadlines for utility-scale solar developments to qualify for tax incentives following passage of significant tax reduction and spending cut legislation last July. Currently, utility-scale solar installations must become operational by late 2027 to qualify.
Last year, Lita Leavell and her husband Joe, who manage a 1,000-acre cattle operation in Lancaster, Kentucky, planned to accommodate a utility-scale solar development on roughly half their property that would have generated an estimated $60,000 annually. Similar to Greier, the lease income would have guaranteed the land remained within their family.
However, after Garrard County enacted an ordinance in 2023 limiting solar development, the energy company working with Leavell chose to terminate the project.
County officials justified the ordinance partly based on federal government opposition to solar energy and the Trump administration’s goal to prevent utility-scale projects on farmland, according to statements made during an August 2025 meeting. Leavell, who identifies as Republican, questioned why insufficient federal support for green energy should impact her ability to pursue such projects on her own property. She and six other landowners are pursuing legal action to challenge the ordinance.
“The thing I guess that perplexed me so much is that there’s so many more worse things that could be next to you,” she said.
Carroll, who collected signatures for the Richland County, Ohio referendum, discovered that framing solar project discussions as property rights issues made community members more receptive.
Greier also emphasizes property rights when discussing the topic. His farm represents his retirement security, and he should maintain the right to utilize it for family support, he explained.
“There’s families that are relying on this and looking for this,” he said. “And it’s been taken away, this opportunity.”
Construction officially began on a major new grain handling facility at Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal, with Maryland agriculture officials participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking on April 10, 2026.
The facility represents a collaborative effort between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey Commodities at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. The Maryland Department of Agriculture joined the ceremony to mark the start of construction on the transloading operation.
The new facility will be located within the Seagirt Marine Terminal complex, adding to the port’s cargo handling capabilities in the agricultural sector.
