Category: Agriculture

A leading agricultural scientist is providing farmers with guidance on how to better utilize advanced weed management techniques this growing season. Dr. Eric Scherder, who serves as the U.S. Crop Protection Technical Lead for Corteva Agriscience, emphasizes that the Enlist system serves as an essential component in comprehensive weed management and resistance prevention strategies.

Speaking with Brownfield, Scherder outlined several approaches that growers can implement to optimize their use of the Enlist system during the upcoming season. He stressed the importance of incorporating these tools as part of a broader, systematic approach to controlling unwanted vegetation while preventing the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.

Indiana agriculture officials are dealing with a fresh outbreak of deadly bird flu after confirming six new infections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within the past seven days.

According to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, the dangerous strain was found at two commercial egg-laying operations located in LaGrange County. Health officials have ordered the destruction of more than 43,000 birds to prevent further spread of the virus.

Authorities have established containment measures including a control zone extending approximately 6.2 miles around the affected facilities, with an expanded surveillance area covering more than 12 miles to monitor for additional cases.

The latest detections add to ongoing concerns about avian influenza’s impact on poultry operations across the Midwest, as officials work to prevent the virus from spreading to additional farms in the region.

DELMARVA — Delaware’s egg industry is setting an ambitious new standard with producers now targeting 500 eggs per hen before birds reach 100 weeks of age. What once seemed impossible has become achievable thanks to advances in breeding, management, and nutrition.

Industry experts say hitting this 500 by 100 milestone doesn’t mean pushing hens harder but providing better care and support through advanced genetics, improved management practices, and precision nutrition. The shift is transforming operations across Delmarva as producers work to remain competitive while meeting rising demand.

The egg sector faces workforce challenges as labor shortages combine with growing technical demands and stricter regulatory standards.

Markets

March corn futures are trading at $4.72 per bushel. Soybeans are at $10.38. Wheat is sitting at $5.51. Local grain elevators across Delaware are paying $4.60 for corn and $10.15 for soybeans.

Forecast

The region is looking at a high near 38° today with a slight chance of light snow and east winds around 5 mph. Tonight drops to 29° with a chance of rain and snow developing. Tuesday brings light rain with temperatures climbing to 46°. Field conditions will remain wet through midweek with more rain expected Wednesday.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, March 2, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Federal health officials are committing $200 million to investigate how multiple chemical exposures impact human health and to explore alternatives to chemical-intensive farming practices.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the substantial funding will support research into what officials call “cumulative chemical exposures” – examining how various chemicals affect people when encountered together over time.

The initiative also focuses on decreasing agriculture’s dependence on chemical-based crop protection methods, potentially affecting farming operations across the region including Delaware’s significant agricultural sector.

A delicious fennel-seasoned pork loin recipe was showcased by Chef Tammy Brawley during an episode of ‘Real Virginia,’ the weekly television show produced by Virginia Farm Bureau.

Fennel-Crusted Pork Loin Recipe

Ingredients needed:
24 cloves of garlic
4 large sweet onions, cut into rounds 1½ inches thick
2 fennel bulbs, with fronds chopped and saved, ribs removed, bulbs sliced ¼ inch thick
One 6-7 pound boneless pork loin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup fennel seeds
3 cups buttermilk
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees.

Crush 12 garlic cloves into a paste and spread in a roasting pan large enough for the pork loin. Layer the sliced onions over the garlic paste, then add the fennel slices on top.

Toast the fennel seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, allow to cool, then grind them completely in a spice or coffee grinder.

Create cuts in the pork loin approximately 2 inches apart and insert 7-8 garlic cloves into each opening. Season the entire roast with salt and pepper, then coat with the ground toasted fennel.

Position the seasoned pork on the vegetable bed in the roasting pan. Cover with buttermilk and seal tightly with aluminum foil. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees at the thickest section. Remove the foil and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Take the pan out and transfer the loin to a cutting board.

Combine half of the roasted onions and fennel with all the cooking juices in a blender or food processor and blend for 30 seconds. While the machine runs, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add warm water, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Place the remaining vegetables on a heated serving platter. Slice the meat into ½-inch pieces and arrange over the vegetables. Drizzle several spoonfuls of sauce over the meat and serve right away. Offer the remaining sauce separately in a gravy boat.

A mouth-watering comfort food recipe that brings together Mexican flavors in pie form has been featured by Chef Tammy Brawley during her appearance on Real Virginia, the weekly television show produced by Virginia Farm Bureau.

The hearty taco pie recipe combines a homemade biscuit-style crust with a savory seasoned meat filling and a rich cheese topping that’s sure to please the whole family.

For the Crust:

2½ cups plus 1 tablespoon flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
5½ tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into ½” cubes
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2 teaspoons kosher salt & coarse ground pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2/3 cup water
1¼ cups sour cream
4½ ounces cheddar cheese, grated
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the crust, use a food processor to blend flour, baking powder, and salt until the mixture has a coarse texture. Incorporate the cold butter pieces, then gradually add milk, pulsing until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add small amounts of water until you achieve a soft consistency. Form the dough into the bottom and partway up the sides of either a 9-inch springform pan or deep pie dish. Wrap in plastic and chill for approximately 45 minutes until firm.

For those without a food processor, you can achieve the same results by whisking the dry ingredients in a bowl, then working in the butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and mix until the dough holds together.

Time-saving suggestion: The crust can be prepared the evening before and removed from refrigeration about 30 minutes prior to continuing with the recipe.

For the meat mixture, warm butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and brown the ground meat thoroughly, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. Create a spice blend by whisking together the 2 teaspoons of salt with all the spices and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir this seasoning mixture and the water into the cooked meat, continuing to cook while stirring until the liquid evaporates, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Prepare the cheese topping by combining sour cream, grated cheddar, beaten egg, and mayonnaise in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Place the chilled crust on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Using a slotted spoon, distribute the seasoned meat evenly over the crust, then spread the creamy cheese mixture on top. Bake for about 45 minutes until the topping is firm and the crust turns golden brown. Allow the pie to rest for approximately 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

ATLANTIC CITY — Agricultural spray drones offer tremendous possibilities for farming operations, according to Adam Kyle from Warren County Rutgers Cooperative Extension, but federal oversight agencies like the FAA and FDA haven’t kept up with the rapid technological advances in safe drone spraying applications.

During a presentation at the Northeast Ag Expo in late January, Kyle discussed both the benefits and challenges surrounding spray drones that can help farmers reduce costs and save valuable time.

Farmers have shown increasing interest in spray drone technology over recent years, Kyle noted, particularly because the equipment proves valuable during wet conditions when conventional machinery cannot access fields.

“A lot of the companies that sell you drones offer you a waiver package which is typically a good thing,” Kyle said. “The issue is I see a lot of farmers and companies that buy spray drones don’t usually read those exemptions exactly to a tee, so they’re good to fly them but they don’t understand everything they’re legally required to do.”

Kyle warned that misunderstanding these exemption requirements can create significant problems, especially since the FAA has only informal guidelines rather than comprehensive regulations for spray drone operations.

“They have sets of regulations for smaller drones, but for the spray drone they have no formal sets of regulations yet, this is why it’s so complicated,” he explained. Despite the expanding market, most drone companies lack sufficient personnel to meet growing demand from farms requesting services, particularly in northwestern New Jersey where Kyle works.

“A lot of farmers have asked me if they should get their own spray drone,” he said, describing this as a complex decision given current circumstances, though he acknowledged that drone service companies are experiencing rapid growth “and that seems to be mostly a good thing.”

Kyle recommended viewing spray drone technology as an additional farming tool, particularly useful for accessing wet fields or areas blocked by forests and difficult terrain. For now, he suggests hiring professional drone crews might be the safest approach.

“The drone doesn’t really care about terrain or road access,” he said.

Purchasing spray drone equipment requires substantial investment, with American-manufactured units typically costing more than Chinese-built alternatives.

“I’ve heard rumors from people that the FAA was going to regulate spray drones, but so far they have not been forthcoming. I know the FAA is working to create a formal set of regulations just like part 107 where you could just go and take a class at a community college and be able to take it online and then go take a test and be a certified drone pilot, but right now that’s not where it is and that’s why it’s so complicated with spray drones.”

Safety concerns with larger spraying drones include entanglement in electrical power lines and potential interference with roadway traffic.

“If you have 100 liters of [potential] poison flying in the air, imagine if that goes out into the road or someone crashes into that. If you look online you can see that happening, you see them getting tangled in power lines all the time, people think of drones traditionally as a toy.”

Kyle said his growing understanding of spray drone safety challenges helps him comprehend “the more I understand why the FAA is kind of nervous about it, because the sprayers have tons of autonomous capabilities.”

Modern drones include video and audio safety systems designed to prevent collisions, he explained, “but the issue is people get frustrated with these things and sometimes they turn them off or lower the thresholds, so it won’t see a really thin branch or a really thin wire. It might see it sometimes but it also might not see it and it’ll fly right into that wire and now you have a $60,000 spray gun entangled in power lines.”

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Agricultural professionals gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on January 31st for the annual winter gathering of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, where they were introduced to the organization’s newly appointed board president.

Melanie Ganzman, who has served as a board member for several years, addressed the audience before the main presentation, sharing her unique perspective on agriculture.

“I come to farming with no legacy,” Ganzman told the assembled farmers during her introductory remarks.

She described her learning journey, explaining how she needed to understand milling processes and connected with grain producers while visiting milling facilities to grasp the technical support required in the industry. When seeking guidance on policy matters, she turned to veteran board member Cali Alexander for direction.

Reflecting on her leadership role, Ganzman noted that “leadership is a lot like farming, it’s about stewardship.” She outlined her guiding principles as “soil-labor-policy-trust.”

The conference also featured remarks from Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul (D-11), who represents the local district. Originally from Newark, Peterpaul has made Long Branch her home for many years, where she previously served as municipal judge. She operates Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park as managing partner, specializing in labor and employment law, general litigation, and training and education. Her background includes work as an assistant county prosecutor, with educational credentials from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University Law School.

Currently serving as vice chair of the judiciary committee while also participating in financial institutions and insurance and aging and human services committees, Peterpaul expressed her desire to return to her previous role on the agriculture committee.

“Being on the ag committee opened my eyes to what our state is so much about: farmers, food, caring about people,” Peterpaul explained. She praised the growing involvement of women in agriculture, saying “I love so many women are involved in farming. They have a different sense of compassion and of gathering. It’s important for the legislature to know what you do.”

Concluding her address, she assured the audience: “You have a friend in the Assembly.”

ATLANTIC CITY — A fourth-generation Burlington County farmer shared her business philosophy at a recent agriculture conference, breaking down her approach to just one simple concept.

Rose Robson, who operates Robson Family Farm in Wrightstown, told attendees at the Northeast Agriculture Conference at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City in late January that choosing a single defining word has transformed her business strategy.

“I think having a word is probably the most important thing you could do for your business. A word is basically the shortest form of a mission statement. Our word at Robson’s Farm is ‘cute,’” Robson explained. “If it isn’t cute, we’re not saying it, we’re not posting it, we’re not stocking it at our farm stand, we’re not making it into merchandise.”

The farm, located next to the Joint MDL Base (previously McGuire Air Force Base), has evolved into primarily orchard operations. Robson returned to farming after working in medical sales, which she described as profitable but ultimately unsatisfying. She’s now completing her 13th year running the family operation.

The business operates two main divisions, according to Robson – flowers and produce. Working alongside her mother and team, they provide customers with 32-ounce containers for self-picked flowers. While she previously handled wedding florals, she found that market too demanding despite good profits.

Their product lineup includes apples, peaches, paw-paws, donut peaches, cut flowers and sunflowers. Robson applies her single-word philosophy to analyze competing farms in her area as well.

“The closest businesses to me that do something similar to me would be Strawberry Hill Farm, which does peaches and apples, and Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, which does a lot of stuff, almost everything,” she noted.

“Johnson’s Farm is the other direction from us and they offer everything, weddings, hayrides, all kinds of baked goods and they offer premium products. The word I use for their farm is ‘luxury,’ and I would put Strawberry Hill as ‘classic,’ and we at Robson’s Farm directly in the middle, are ‘cute,’” she continued.

During her presentation, Robson explained how she leverages the farm’s website, Facebook and Instagram for customer feedback, while weekly email newsletters help strengthen profits and build customer loyalty while attracting new visitors.

“The only bad review we had online was someone who simply said ‘Bad.’ And it was in February and I’m pretty sure it was a disgruntled neighbor — 99% sure I know who it is, so we don’t even count that one,” she mentioned.

The farm has undergone significant changes since Robson took over. Initially, they delivered vegetable packages to homes, which performed well financially but proved exhausting for her personally. They also tried farmers’ markets but found the time investment didn’t justify the returns.

“It was a nightmare, for me at least, so in 2019 we started saying ‘vegetable free in three,’ meaning in three years, we’re going to really commit to doing just orchard fruits and stop doing all the vegetable stuff. It just was not working.”

“Ultimately, I want to be in my own happy place and now I’m there, we also want to be the cutest and that is really important to me, so the scope of what we do is apples, peaches, paw-paws, you-cut flowers, and we have room to grow other unique crops, these items need to be unique hard-to-find and of high quality fit into what we are already doing. I’m putting in two new products this spring and it’s a lot of fun,” Robson shared, though she kept details about the new offerings under wraps.

For their flower picking experience, the farm charges $12, with the 32-ounce containers typically accommodating around 60 stems.

“Pay only for what you pick is what separates us from other farm businesses in our area, others charge an entry fee, so I’m constantly thinking about how we can add value without spending a ton of money,” she explained.

Robson stressed that successful marketing requires viewing everything from the customer’s perspective.

“You have to come at it from a customer-focused perspective, what’s in it for the customer,” she advised, describing wallet-sized cards she created for fruit picking customers.

“They give us their email address and we give them a cute little Peach Pass which is a cute little card. They come, they pick their own peaches, and they get 10% off what they pick.” The farm also distributes peach and apple scented scratch-and-sniff stickers during harvest months from July through October.

One of their signature events, paw-paw walks held multiple times each September, originated from an unexpected source. A National Geographic reporter years ago inquired about paw-paw events at the farm. Since none existed, Robson and her team developed guided walks where visitors can harvest from their limited paw-paw trees. These September events have become what Robson calls “paw-paw insanity month.”

She also emphasized the importance of training staff to handle common customer questions effectively.

“Because nothing is worse than asking an employee a question and having him or her stumbling and stuttering and not sure who to ask. It doesn’t inspire much confidence in what’s going on at the farm,” she concluded.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Despite cold temperatures and snow blanketing the Jersey Shore, farmers throughout New Jersey gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront hotel on Saturday, January 31st for the Northeast Organic Farming Association – New Jersey’s annual winter conference.

The keynote presentation featured Anna Roberts, a representative from The Moth storytelling organization, who may have appeared to be an unconventional choice for an agricultural audience. However, conference organizers recognized that farming professionals possess compelling narratives worth sharing, particularly newer farmers who may lack outlets for their experiences.

Roberts provided background information about The Moth, an organization that brings individuals to stages worldwide to share personal narratives. The group also produces an NPR radio program and podcast featuring these stories.

Speakers at Moth events tell their stories without written materials, focusing on life-changing moments and transformative experiences.

Roberts first encountered The Moth concept during her graduate studies when her journalism class visited a Union Square café for five-minute storytelling sessions.

“It dawned on me why we were doing it,” Roberts explained, “journalism school is so competitive.” The exercise helped students open up about themselves, and Roberts believes agricultural professionals can experience similar benefits.

“Stories can show how we can make meaning of what we want to say,” she noted. “Our brains are wired for storytelling and they sync up when people are listening.” Roberts emphasized that information wrapped in narrative form becomes more memorable.

Following a demonstration using an actual Moth story, Roberts invited conference attendees to share their own experiences. She outlined storytelling fundamentals, focusing on technique and creating emotional connections with listeners. “Each story has an arc,” Roberts said, explaining that compelling narratives involve genuine transformation and shifts in how storytellers relate to institutions or the world around them. She encouraged participants to consider prompts like “I used to…” or “now I…”

Roberts walked the audience through examples showing that while story stakes can vary dramatically, all effective narratives contain conflict and tension. She advised speakers to observe their audience and adapt accordingly.

“There is no best way to share,” she concluded. “So share as yourself.”

Multiple attendees volunteered to share farming-related anecdotes, with several participants noting that the storytelling exercise helped them feel more connected to fellow farmers in attendance.

ATLANTIC CITY — Renowned autism advocate and livestock expert Dr. Temple Grandin traveled from Colorado to address agricultural professionals during a midday presentation at the Northeast Ag Expo in Atlantic City late last month.

The 78-year-old Colorado State University professor, who holds a doctorate in animal science, shared her personal journey and professional insights with attendees. Following her presentation, Grandin signed copies of her latest publication “Thinking In Pictures” along with her other written works.

Drawing from her experience growing up with undiagnosed autism in the 1950s, Grandin spoke candidly about facing bullying throughout her educational years. Born into an affluent Boston family, she didn’t receive an autism diagnosis until her early twenties while attending college.

Beyond her numerous publications and biographical films, Grandin has revolutionized livestock handling through innovative facility designs that minimize animal stress. Her work has transformed slaughterhouse operations across the nation to create more humane conditions.

Reflecting on her childhood, Grandin explained how she was initially labeled as having “brain damage” during an era when autism was poorly understood. She described her learning challenges with abstract concepts, noting her preference for visual and concrete thinking.

“I never got a chance to try geometry because I failed miserably in Algebra,” she explained. “But I could always do real world, applied practical math. The problem with algebra is it’s too abstract for me to remember.”

The speaker strongly advocated for music and arts education for children on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the developmental benefits these programs provide.

Grandin stressed the critical importance of early employment opportunities for young people, particularly those working outside their family circle to build essential life competencies.

“We need paper route substitutes nowadays, like walking the neighbors’ dogs, where you are doing something for somebody outside the immediate family, even church or synagogue volunteer jobs, these kids need real jobs,” she stated, highlighting the necessity of developing practical skills.

“I advocate now for getting work skills early on,” she continued. “Let’s say a guy is going into college now with no work skills. Let him slow down, five years [instead of four,] and he’ll gain some work and life skills while he’s there. These are the things I see as I travel around.”

During her youth, Grandin found refuge from bullying by working at a local horse facility, which became a safe haven for her development.

“At 13, my mother got me a job with a lady who works out of her home altering dresses. When I was in college I did internships in research labs and also as an aide for children with autism. How did I get the research job? One of my professors in college had a friend with a research lab. That’s how you get into these places, take these jobs through the back doors. Your 18-year-old needs to get a job,” she shared.

The expert emphasized that developing life skills during elementary school years through part-time employment opportunities is crucial for all children.

“Get your 8-and-9-year-old child out there selling stuff so they learn how to talk to people. This is important!” she urged.

Grandin recommended that younger children with autism can gain valuable experience working with smaller farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. She expressed frustration with educators struggling to help students who cannot master abstract mathematical concepts like algebra and trigonometry.

“There are some very good programs in low income areas where kids are working with turkeys and raising chickens, so this is something where you can raise an animal and learn from it, and you can always take them to places where you couldn’t keep a lamb,” she noted.

“And I want to commend the 4-H leaders that are in here today because these are really great programs that get young people involved and interested. With construction companies, the big question is how do we get them interested? We can’t take little kids onto construction sites but getting them into a building with a window next to a big construction site is one way to get them interested. I’m a big believer that you have to show [autistic] kids interesting things to get them interested in interesting things. My interest in cows started in high school,” she recalled.

Grandin concluded by emphasizing that overcoming fears and anxieties requires exposure to new experiences and challenges.

“Get the kids out and get them doing a lot more real things in real time,” she advised.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — When labor shortages threatened to ruin the harvest at Riamede Farm back in 1974, the owners placed a newspaper advertisement asking community members to come pick their own vegetables. That creative solution not only saved the crop but launched what would become a beloved u-pick destination in Western Morris County.

Today, Ashley Adsell runs the historic 60-acre operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer had no agricultural background when a previous owner recruited her help, but her military experience provided valuable leadership and risk assessment skills that translated well to farming.

After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell saw an opportunity to purchase the property, settle outstanding debts, and begin a new chapter. Bourgeois, who hails from a South Jersey farming family, has worked at Riamede for 17 years and brings the technical expertise that complements Adsell’s management abilities.

The farm’s name comes from an early farmer named Mead and his wife Mariah. Located on sloping terrain north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the popular Bernie’s bar, Riamede sits in a stone farmhouse originally constructed in 1742. Interestingly, Adsell grew up just miles away in another stone house built around the same time by a brother of Riamede’s original builder, both members of the historically significant Swayze family.

The original two-room structure (one upstairs, one down) received a major expansion in 1790 that more than doubled its size. Additional renovations over the years created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, while also housing the farm office and seasonal workers.

Apple production has anchored the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard spans 30 acres and showcases 54 different varieties, including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell has observed how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of traditional varieties.

“Taste is powerful,” Adsell explained. “It connects us to history.”

The apple trees range from historic specimens to recent additions from Rutgers University’s experimental program. When Adsell took over, she noticed limited recent plantings and has since added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing methods. However, many mature trees remain both for their fruit production and the character they bring to the landscape.

Adsell has incorporated modern technology including a weather station and is exploring remote soil monitoring systems. While she embraces these innovations, her primary goals focus on water conservation and minimizing chemical applications. She’s also diversifying the orchard with Asian pears and peach trees.

Recognizing that apples may not hold the same appeal for all consumers, Adsell has expanded the agritourism aspects of the operation. The farm offers hayrides to the orchard and various entertainment options to draw visitors.

The 10-acre vegetable section continues the u-pick tradition that saved the farm decades ago. Adsell finds it remarkable how enthusiastic people become about harvesting their own produce, noting with amusement: “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?”

Bourgeois plants numerous vegetable varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity, acknowledging that different eggplant types serve as staples across many global cuisines. What surprises Adsell most is how disconnected many visitors are from agricultural processes. People express amazement at seeing how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, and even at the appearance of tomato plants.

This disconnect motivates her educational efforts, particularly welcoming children to the farm. The fall festival features a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot (a corn cannon would be inappropriate given the nearby residential area). While Riamede doesn’t produce its own cider, Adsell purchases it from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve ice cream to create apple-cider slushies.

“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed about the challenges of diversification.

The agritourism expansion includes monthly line dancing in one of the property’s barns, plus music events on alternate weekends. Adsell organizes two annual craft and vendor fairs: one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.

Her commitment to agricultural education extends to hosting school field trips, allowing children to experience both the educational and entertainment aspects of farm life. Through u-pick operations, hayrides, and various events, Adsell has successfully created a genuine community gathering place in her corner of Chester Township.

ATLANTIC CITY — A Burlington County farmer has distilled her family business strategy into a single, powerful concept.

Rose Robson, who operates the fourth-generation Robson Family Farm in Wrightstown, told attendees at the Northeast Agriculture Conference in late January that choosing one defining word transformed her approach to business. Speaking at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, she explained her philosophy.

“I think having a word is probably the most important thing you could do for your business. A word is basically the shortest form of a mission statement. Our word at Robson’s Farm is ‘cute,’” Robson said. “If it isn’t cute, we’re not saying it, we’re not posting it, we’re not stocking it at our farm stand, we’re not making it into merchandise.”

The farm, located next to the Joint MDL Base (previously McGuire Air Force Base), now focuses primarily on fruit orchards. Robson returned to agriculture after working in medical sales, a field she found profitable but personally unsatisfying. This marks her 13th year managing the family operation.

According to Robson, the business operates two main divisions: floral and produce. Customers receive 32-ounce containers and can harvest their own flowers. While she previously handled wedding arrangements, she discontinued that service due to excessive stress despite good profits.

The farm’s offerings include apples, peaches, paw-paws, donut peaches, cut flowers, and sunflowers. Robson applies her single-word branding strategy to analyze nearby competitors as well.

“The closest businesses to me that do something similar to me would be Strawberry Hill Farm, which does peaches and apples, and Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, which does a lot of stuff, almost everything,” she explained.

“Johnson’s Farm is the other direction from us and they offer everything, weddings, hayrides, all kinds of baked goods and they offer premium products. The word I use for their farm is ‘luxury,’ and I would put Strawberry Hill as ‘classic,’ and we at Robson’s Farm directly in the middle, are ‘cute,’” she continued.

Robson detailed how she leverages digital platforms including the farm’s website, Facebook, and Instagram to gather customer feedback continuously. Weekly email newsletters help strengthen relationships with existing customers while attracting new ones, boosting revenue in the process.

“The only bad review we had online was someone who simply said ‘Bad.’ And it was in February and I’m pretty sure it was a disgruntled neighbor — 99% sure I know who it is, so we don’t even count that one,” she noted.

The farmer described her evolution in finding the right business model. Initially, they delivered vegetable packages to homes, which succeeded but required too much driving. Farmers’ markets followed but proved time-intensive with minimal returns.

“It was a nightmare, for me at least, so in 2019 we started saying ‘vegetable free in three,’ meaning in three years, we’re going to really commit to doing just orchard fruits and stop doing all the vegetable stuff. It just was not working.”

“Ultimately, I want to be in my own happy place and now I’m there, we also want to be the cutest and that is really important to me, so the scope of what we do is apples, peaches, paw-paws, you-cut flowers, and we have room to grow other unique crops, these items need to be unique hard-to-find and of high quality fit into what we are already doing. I’m putting in two new products this spring and it’s a lot of fun,” Robson revealed, though she kept the new offerings secret.

For flower picking, Robson charges $12, with the standard 32-ounce containers typically accommodating around 60 stems.

“Pay only for what you pick is what separates us from other farm businesses in our area, others charge an entry fee, so I’m constantly thinking about how we can add value without spending a ton of money,” she said.

Customer perspective drives all marketing decisions, according to Robson. She developed wallet-sized cards for fruit picking customers as an example of this approach.

“You have to come at it from a customer-focused perspective, what’s in it for the customer,” she emphasized, describing her Peach Pass program where customers provide email addresses in exchange for cards offering 10% discounts on picked fruit. During harvest season from July through October, she distributes peach and apple scented scratch-and-sniff stickers.

The farm’s popular paw-paw walks originated from an unexpected source. Several years ago, a National Geographic reporter inquired about special paw-paw events at the farm. Since none existed, Robson and her team created guided walks where visitors could pick from limited paw-paw trees. These September events continue today during what she calls “paw-paw insanity month.”

Robson stressed the importance of training staff to handle common customer questions effectively.

“Because nothing is worse than asking an employee a question and having him or her stumbling and stuttering and not sure who to ask. It doesn’t inspire much confidence in what’s going on at the farm,” she concluded.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — When a labor crisis struck in 1974, farm operators at Riamede Farm found an unexpected solution by placing a newspaper advertisement asking community members to harvest vegetables themselves or lend a hand during picking season.

The response was overwhelming. People flocked to help save the harvest and discovered they loved the hands-on farming experience.

That emergency measure transformed Riamede into one of Western Morris County’s premier pick-your-own destinations.

Today, Ashley Adsell runs the operation alongside farm manager Jamie Bourgeois. The former Naval officer was inexperienced in agriculture when a previous owner recruited her assistance. Bourgeois brings 17 years of experience at Riamede and comes from a South Jersey farming background. He lives on the property with his wife and daughters.

“I credit him with the farming innovations and expertise,” Adsell explained. However, her military background provided valuable leadership abilities, risk assessment skills, and decision-making experience that proved essential for agricultural management.

After 11 years in the Navy, Adsell was considering a career change when the farming opportunity presented itself. She purchased the land, cleared existing debts, and began her agricultural journey.

The sloping 60-acre property sits north of Chester Borough’s shopping area, near the well-known Bernie’s dive bar. The farm’s name combines “Mead” with his wife “Mariah” from an early farming family.

Riamede’s story mirrors Chester’s agricultural heritage. The original farmhouse dates to 1742, with Adsell’s childhood home just miles away on Route 124 built around the same period by a relative of Riamede’s builder. Both belonged to the Swayze family, prominent in Morris and Warren county history.

The initial structure contained just two rooms — one upstairs, one down. A “newer” section added in 1790 more than doubled the space. Subsequent expansions created the current home where Adsell lives with her 4-year-old son Oliver, along with farm offices and seasonal workers’ quarters.

Apple cultivation has dominated the farm since the 1930s, with some original trees still bearing fruit. The orchard showcases 54 varieties including Rome, Winesap, Red and Gold Delicious, Cortlands, Paragons, Northern Spy, and Macintosh. Adsell notes how flavors have evolved between older and newer plantings of the same varieties.

“Taste is powerful,” Adsell said, “it connects us to history.”

The 30-acre orchard contains everything from heritage specimens to recent varieties from Rutgers’ experimental program.

Upon assuming ownership, Adsell observed minimal recent plantings had occurred. She’s added approximately 500 new trees using tighter spacing while preserving older specimens for both their produce and the atmosphere they create.

Beyond expanding the orchard with climate-resilient varieties, Adsell has installed weather monitoring equipment and is exploring remote soil sensors. While embracing technology, she prioritizes water conservation and minimal chemical applications.

Asian pears and peach trees are joining the apple collection.

Although apples may not be everyone’s preferred fruit anymore, Adsell recognizes that pick-your-own operations and agricultural tourism create strong appeal. She offers orchard hayrides and various activities.

The property includes 10 acres dedicated to pick-your-own vegetables.

Adsell remains fascinated by visitors’ enthusiasm for specific crops. “Who’d think people would get excited about pick-your-own-eggplant?” Bourgeois cultivates numerous varieties reflecting Morris County’s ethnic diversity and eggplant’s global culinary importance.

She’s equally surprised by many people’s disconnection from agricultural processes.

Visitors express amazement at how broccoli and Brussels sprouts develop, even at tomato plant appearance. This motivates her to welcome children whenever possible. Her autumn celebration includes a child-sized corn maze and apple slingshot — residential proximity prevents using a corn cannon.

Rather than producing cider on-site, she purchases from Melicks and combines it with soft-serve for apple-cider slushies.

“Every new crop is a new business,” she observed.

Expanding into agritourism, Adsell hosts monthly line dancing in one barn and weekend music events. She organizes two annual craft and vendor markets — one in early May and another on Veterans Day weekend with a “Christmas at the farm” theme.

Her commitment to agricultural education includes school visits, with children enjoying both educational and entertainment offerings.

Through pick-your-own activities, hayrides, and special events, Adsell has fostered a genuine community within her Chester Township corner.

CRANBURY, N.J. — Freezing temperatures and bone-chilling winds couldn’t keep determined farmers and antique hunters away from a major equipment sale at the historic Walker Gordon Farms site this past January.

Nearly 200 bidders endured the harsh conditions on January 24th to participate in the extensive auction featuring dairy equipment, vintage furniture, and collectible items from the legendary Walker Gordon Dairy operation.

As one landscaper from Monmouth County put it: “We’re all just a little bit crazy.”

The crowd stayed warm thanks to burning wood barrels scattered around the property and heated indoor areas set up in various barns, according to auctioneer Alfred Finocchiaro from Alfred’s Auctions in Monroe Township.

Finocchiaro, who grew up working on family farms near Swedesboro in Gloucester County, has built strong relationships with area farmers over his years in the business and earned a solid reputation for conducting fair sales.

The veteran auctioneer noted that attendance could have been even larger, but a major snowstorm was forecast to hit the Mid-Atlantic region the following day, keeping some potential bidders at home.

Walker Gordon Dairy gained widespread recognition through its “Elsie the Cow” marketing efforts before ceasing dairy operations in the early 1970s. While portions of the original property along Route 1 were developed into residential communities, the auction site remained closer to Route 130 near South Brunswick township.

“We offered both vintage farm equipment and Walker Gordon memorabilia, which created an interesting mix of working farmers and antique enthusiasts,” Finocchiaro explained in a follow-up phone interview. “Some of the machinery went back more than a century, and the old Hickory furniture pieces were particularly popular with bidders.”

Despite the brutal weather conditions, Finocchiaro expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the auction’s efficiency, which wrapped up in just over six hours. He praised his team, including his wife and assistants, along with the cooperative spirit of all attendees.

The sale’s major attractions included five operational John Deere tractors, with any mechanical issues like oil leaks clearly disclosed to potential buyers beforehand.

“Bidders came from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and we definitely would have seen more out-of-state participation without that storm approaching,” he noted.

According to Finocchiaro, the auction’s success stemmed partly from Walker Gordon Dairy’s enduring reputation and the skilled maintenance performed by the farm’s mechanics and technicians who worked there through the 1970s and 1990s.

“My approach is complete honesty about every item,” Finocchiaro emphasized. “When equipment has problems like oil leaks, I make sure everyone knows upfront. Farmers understand machinery and do their own repairs, so they appreciate transparency. Even in those record-breaking cold temperatures, we started up all the old tractors so buyers could see exactly what they were getting. That level of openness made the whole event successful.”

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Despite cold temperatures and snowy conditions along the Jersey Shore, agricultural professionals from across New Jersey gathered on Saturday, January 31st at the Berkeley Oceanfront hotel for the Northeast Organic Farming Association – New Jersey’s annual winter conference.

The event featured an unexpected but compelling keynote speaker: Anna Roberts from The Moth, a renowned storytelling organization. While her background might initially appear unrelated to agriculture, Roberts argued that farmers possess compelling narratives that deserve to be heard, particularly newer farmers who may lack outlets for sharing their experiences.

Roberts provided attendees with background information about The Moth, an organization that brings individuals to stages worldwide to share personal narratives. The group also produces an NPR radio program and podcast featuring these stories.

The organization’s speakers deliver their tales without written materials, focusing on pivotal life moments that created transformation, Roberts explained. Her own introduction to The Moth concept occurred during graduate studies when her class visited a Union Square café for five-minute storytelling sessions.

“It dawned on me why we were doing it,” Roberts explained. “Journalism school is so competitive.” The exercise helped students connect by revealing personal aspects of themselves, a benefit she believes farmers could also experience.

“Stories can show how we can make meaning of what we want to say,” she told the audience. “Our brains are wired for storytelling and they sync up when people are listening.” Roberts emphasized that information becomes more memorable when presented through narrative structure.

Following a demonstration using an actual Moth story, Roberts invited conference participants to share their own experiences. She outlined storytelling fundamentals, focusing on technique and creating emotional connections with listeners.

“Each story has an arc,” Roberts noted, explaining that effective narratives involve genuine transformation and shifts in how storytellers relate to organizations or the broader world. She encouraged participants to structure their thoughts around “I used to…” or “now I…” frameworks.

Through brief video examples, Roberts demonstrated that while story stakes can vary dramatically in importance, all effective narratives contain conflict and tension. She advised speakers to observe their audience and adapt their delivery accordingly.

“There is no best way to share,” she concluded. “So share as yourself.”

Multiple conference attendees took the opportunity to share farming-related stories, with several participants noting that the exercise helped them feel more connected to fellow farmers in attendance.

ATLANTIC CITY — Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned author, inventor, and advocate for individuals with autism, traveled from Colorado to address attendees at the Northeast Ag Expo’s lunchtime session in Atlantic City during late January. The Colorado State University professor, who holds a doctorate in animal science, conducted a book signing following her presentation, featuring her latest work “Thinking In Pictures” along with her other publications.

The accomplished speaker, known for incorporating humor into her presentations, shared personal experiences of growing up with autism during the 1950s and facing harassment throughout her educational journey for being different. Her autism diagnosis didn’t come until her early twenties while she was attending college.

At 78 years old, Grandin was raised in an affluent Boston family. Beyond her extensive writing and the multiple films documenting her life story, she has gained recognition for creating groundbreaking designs that minimize cattle stress at processing plants. Her work has transformed slaughterhouses across America to operate more humanely.

During her youth in the 1950s, Grandin received a “brain damage” diagnosis, but her learning difficulties stemmed from challenges with abstract thinking. She explained that her thought processes were picture-based and heavily visual in nature.

“I never got a chance to try geometry because I failed miserably in Algebra,” she explained. “But I could always do real world, applied practical math. The problem with algebra is it’s too abstract for me to remember.”

According to Grandin, music and arts education provides tremendous benefits for children on the autism spectrum.

She also advocates for allowing teenagers and preteens to begin employment with individuals outside their immediate family circle to build essential life skills.

“We need paper route substitutes nowadays, like walking the neighbors’ dogs, where you are doing something for somebody outside the immediate family, even church or synagogue volunteer jobs, these kids need real jobs,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of developing life skills.

“I advocate now for getting work skills early on,” she continued. “Let’s say a guy is going into college now with no work skills. Let him slow down, five years [instead of four,] and he’ll gain some work and life skills while he’s there. These are the things I see as I travel around.”

In her younger years, Grandin found employment at a local horse farm, which became her refuge from bullying.

“At 13, my mother got me a job with a lady who works out of her home altering dresses. When I was in college I did internships in research labs and also as an aide for children with autism. How did I get the research job? One of my professors in college had a friend with a research lab. That’s how you get into these places, take these jobs through the back doors. Your 18-year-old needs to get a job,” she shared.

She stressed the importance of teaching all children life skills during elementary school through some form of part-time employment.

“Get your 8-and-9-year-old child out there selling stuff so they learn how to talk to people. This is important!”

Grandin noted that younger children with autism can gain valuable experience and life skills by working with smaller farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. She expressed frustration with encountering discouraged educators in both public and private schools whose students struggle because they cannot master algebra, trigonometry, or pre-calculus.

“There are some very good programs in low income areas where kids are working with turkeys and raising chickens, so this is something where you can raise an animal and learn from it, and you can always take them to places where you couldn’t keep a lamb,” she noted.

“And I want to commend the 4-H leaders that are in here today because these are really great programs that get young people involved and interested. With construction companies, the big question is how do we get them interested? We can’t take little kids onto construction sites but getting them into a building with a window next to a big construction site is one way to get them interested. I’m a big believer that you have to show [autistic] kids interesting things to get them interested in interesting things. My interest in cows started in high school,” she recalled.

However, the crucial element, she emphasized, involves providing opportunities to face and overcome anxieties and fears.

“Get the kids out and get them doing a lot more real things in real time.”

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Agricultural producers gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on January 31st for the annual winter gathering of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, where they were introduced to the organization’s newly appointed board president.

Melanie Ganzman, who has served as a board member for several years, stepped into the leadership role and addressed attendees before the main presentation. Speaking candidly about her background, Ganzman acknowledged that she entered agriculture without inherited farming traditions.

“I come to farming with no legacy,” she told the audience during her introductory remarks.

Her agricultural education included connecting with grain producers and visiting milling operations to understand the technical support requirements of the industry. When seeking guidance on policy matters, she consulted with Cali Alexander, a veteran and engaged board member.

“I went to Cali about policy,” Ganzman explained, “to get a sense of where I stand.”

Drawing parallels between her new responsibilities and agricultural work, she noted that “leadership is a lot like farming, it’s about stewardship.”

Ganzman concluded her address by outlining her guiding principles with the phrase “soil-labor-policy-trust.”

The conference also featured remarks from Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul (D-11), who addressed the farming community prior to the keynote presentation. A Newark native who has made Long Branch her long-term home, Peterpaul previously served as a municipal judge and currently operates as managing partner of Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park, where she focuses on employment law, general litigation, and educational training. Her background also includes work as an assistant county prosecutor, with educational credentials from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University Law School.

Currently serving as vice chair of the judiciary committee while also participating in financial institutions and insurance and aging and human services committees, Peterpaul expressed her desire to rejoin the agriculture committee where she previously served.

“Being on the ag committee opened my eyes to what our state is so much about: farmers, food, caring about people,” she stated, adding “I love so many women are involved in farming. They have a different sense of compassion and of gathering. It’s important for the legislature to know what you do.”

Concluding her remarks, Peterpaul assured the agricultural community: “You have a friend in the Assembly.”

ATLANTIC CITY — Agricultural spray drones hold tremendous promise for farmers, but federal agencies haven’t kept pace with the rapidly evolving technology, according to Adam Kyle from Warren County Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Speaking at the Northeast Ag Expo in late January, Kyle discussed both the benefits and challenges surrounding spray drones that could help farmers save both time and money.

Farmer interest in spray drone technology has grown significantly in recent years, Kyle noted. The equipment proves especially valuable during wet conditions when traditional machinery cannot access fields.

“A lot of the companies that sell you drones offer you a waiver package which is typically a good thing,” Kyle explained. “The issue is I see a lot of farmers and companies that buy spray drones don’t usually read those exemptions exactly to a tee, so they’re good to fly them but they don’t understand everything they’re legally required to do.”

Kyle warned that misunderstanding these regulatory exemptions can lead to serious problems. While the Federal Aviation Administration has loose guidelines, no comprehensive regulations specifically govern spray drone operations.

“They have sets of regulations for smaller drones, but for the spray drone they have no formal sets of regulations yet, this is why it’s so complicated,” he said.

Despite the regulatory uncertainty, the market continues to grow rapidly. However, most drone companies lack sufficient personnel to serve all the farms requesting their services, particularly in northwestern New Jersey where Kyle works.

Many farmers have asked Kyle whether they should purchase their own spray drones, a question he finds difficult to answer given current circumstances. Meanwhile, companies offering drone services continue expanding at a rapid pace.

Kyle recommends farmers view spray drone technology as an additional resource rather than a replacement for existing equipment. The drones excel in situations where fields are too wet for conventional machinery or when terrain makes access difficult.

For now, hiring professional drone crews may be the safest approach, Kyle suggested.

“The drone doesn’t really care about terrain or road access,” he said.

Purchasing spray drone equipment requires substantial investment, with American-manufactured models typically costing more than Chinese-built alternatives.

Kyle has heard speculation about forthcoming FAA regulations for spray drones, but nothing concrete has emerged. He knows the agency is developing formal certification programs similar to existing Part 107 regulations, which would allow pilots to complete training at community colleges and obtain certification through testing.

“I know the FAA is working to create a formal set of regulations just like part 107 where you could just go and take a class at a community college and be able to take it online and then go take a test and be a certified drone pilot, but right now that’s not where it is and that’s why it’s so complicated with spray drones.”

Safety concerns include potential entanglement with power lines and drones straying into traffic areas. Kyle emphasized the serious risks involved when large spraying drones malfunction.

“If you have 100 liters of [potential] poison flying in the air, imagine if that goes out into the road or someone crashes into that. If you look online you can see that happening, you see them getting tangled in power lines all the time, people think of drones traditionally as a toy.”

As Kyle has learned more about spray drone safety requirements, he better understands the FAA’s cautious approach, particularly given the autonomous capabilities of modern spraying equipment.

Current drone models include video and audio safety systems designed to prevent collisions, Kyle noted. However, operators sometimes disable these features out of frustration or adjust sensitivity settings that may cause the system to miss thin branches or wires.

“It might see it sometimes but it also might not see it and it’ll fly right into that wire and now you have a $60,000 spray gun entangled in power lines,” he warned.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Three distinct Community Supported Agriculture operations shared their unique approaches during a panel discussion at the NOFA-NJ Winter Conference held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.

The panel showcased how CSA programs have developed differently to serve their communities. Dean and Emily Buttacavoli operate Cabbage Throw Farm in Hunterdon County on the Asbury side, while John Crooke manages Tinicum CSA across the Pennsylvania border near the Frenchtown Bridge. Jeff Tober oversees Rancocus Creek Farm, which operates under the Pinelands Alliance.

These Community Supported Agriculture programs have each found their own specialized approach over time. The CSA model provides farmers with guaranteed income upfront, as members purchase their seasonal produce before crops are even planted.

Crooke’s operation spans just over four acres within a 20-acre property. He manages eight acres total while his landlord runs a roadside nursery and farm stand on the same land. The two operations share equipment and facilities without interfering with each other, according to Crooke.

His operation supports nine employees, including several full-time workers, and serves 365 households who must collect their shares directly from the farm. Now in his 14th year, Crooke follows organic farming methods he’s developed through experience.

“There’s not so much motivation to apply for organic certification,” Crooke explained. “With a CSA, you build trust.” He emphasized that his customers have confidence in his practices without needing official certification.

Over the years, Crooke has adapted his approach. He switched from offering one large share to providing smaller options and implemented a sliding payment scale. Extending the pickup timeframe has also proven beneficial, he noted.

His marketing strategy includes direct-mail materials featuring numerous photographs, and Tinicum offers members choices by listing available items on a chalkboard.

The Buttacavolis depend entirely on their farm income, making their CSA’s success crucial since starting their operation in 2018. They lease land on both sides of the Musconetcong River, cultivating seven acres of vegetables on property that came with existing organic certification.

Their program offers three different share sizes throughout a 32-week growing period from May through December. The couple also operates at three farmers markets, allowing CSA members to pick up shares at any of these locations.

“We have a core group of customers,” Dean Buttacavoli said, noting that their 125 member families “have our back.” The couple felt significant pressure to launch their CSA during 2020 and made the transition the following year.

Emily Buttacavoli mentioned they process payments through Square, which streamlines her administrative duties.

Tober’s situation differs significantly from the others. He explained that the Pinelands Alliance acquired more than 72 acres that had been used for conventional soybean production for decades.

The alliance preserved the property and established its headquarters there, where Tober’s wife is employed. The land had experienced significant erosion and required extensive stormwater management improvements. Tober addressed the erosion issues, began carbon sequestration efforts, and enhanced soil quality.

His restoration work included planting over 1,200 trees and implementing former Agriculture Secretary Phil Alampi’s beneficial insect program. The farm now operates sustainably and hosts apprentices through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farm Training.

Tober launched a small CSA in his second year and expects to serve 425 members in the 2026 season. He created a flexible 21-week share program that offers only full shares but encourages families to split them. The program includes pick-your-own opportunities.

His revenue breakdown shows 55 percent from CSA sales, 9 percent wholesale, 9 percent farm store sales, 5 percent deliveries, 5 percent farmers markets, and 4 percent from farm-to-table fundraising events, with grants covering the remaining 7 percent due to the alliance’s nonprofit status.

The operation also generates income from value-added products, Tober noted. He highlighted the strong relationships with members, mentioning how staff received baked goods and hot breakfast sandwiches from members in 2015.

Following their presentations, the farmers answered audience questions moderated by NOFA’s Lana Mustafa. When asked about improving the CSA model, Crooke said he constantly observes other operations to identify better practices. Tober mentioned there’s a “level of CSA guilt” that can be applied to neighbors.

“It’s easier to sell a member on something new,” Dean Buttacavoli observed, suggesting the introduction of new vegetables, including ethnic varieties.

Traditional methods also maintain appeal. “It’s like vinyl records,” Crooke said, referring to his use of chalkboards. “It’s a human-oriented enterprise,” Tober added, noting that success ultimately depends on attention to detail, tracking customer preferences, and innovating when possible.

Dean Buttacavoli previously farmed in Camden for three years. “There is a benefit to growing in an urban setting,” he said, explaining that it creates demand while providing opportunities to educate consumers.

All three operations prioritize donating surplus produce, offering pick-your-own options, and composting as much as possible. The farmers remained available for individual discussions after the session concluded.

ATLANTIC CITY — The New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Committee brought together approximately 400 farmers and agricultural professionals for their annual Women in Agriculture luncheon during this year’s Northeast Ag Expo, timing the event to coincide with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Darcy Perehinys, who helped organize the gathering, explained the unique challenges facing agricultural leaders today. “Leadership in agriculture doesn’t look like a corner office, it looks like boots by the door and a to-do list that never ends,” Perehinys said. “And sometimes plans completely fall apart before they’ve even been put into action. Let’s be honest, agriculture is hard. Some days it’s amazing and some days you question every decision that you ever made.”

According to Perehinys, the luncheon was designed as an opportunity for agricultural professionals to connect over a meal and share insights about their farming operations.

Dakota Meys, who serves as New Jersey Dairy Princess and is Perehinys’ daughter, addressed the crowd about the importance of guiding newcomers into agricultural careers.

“From dairy farms to produce fields, from equine operations to specialty crops, agriculture has shaped our state for generations now, and as we look to the future one thing is clear: the success of New Jersey agriculture depends on mentorship, generational learning and a willingness to open our hearts and our farms,” she said.

Meys emphasized that guidance in farming extends beyond technical skills. “Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have in agriculture, the lessons passed down from generation to generation go far beyond how to plant a crop or how to care for livestock, it teaches responsibility, perseverance and respect for the land.”

She added that honoring past agricultural practices while embracing innovation remains crucial. “Learning from the generations before us allows us to honor the sacrifices they made to keep agriculture alive in a small-but-mighty agricultural state like New Jersey. While technology continues to evolve, the values that define agriculture remain the same, by combining traditional knowledge with new ideas and innovation, we can continue our agricultural heritage while building a stronger future.”

The featured speaker, Dr. Carrie Edsall, teaches animal science at State University of New York, Cobleskill, and operates Black Willow Pond Farm near the campus where she raises chickens, pigs and sheep.

Edsall focused her presentation on straightforward approaches to farm marketing and sales, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear financial objectives.

She challenged attendees to consider their marketing strategies, asking, “we all know we can grow great things, but what happens if you can’t market them?” Edsall described her own efforts to secure farmers’ market spots and build relationships with restaurants, particularly targeting New York City’s market of 8 million consumers.

The professor shared how she incorporated her young sons into evening business meetings and prioritized building relationships with neighboring farmers and potential customers. Her farm hosts annual community events like hog roasts as part of her community outreach strategy.

“Technology and resources are out there and I urge you to grab them where you can, and when and where you can,” she said, noting her decision to invest time in networking with local businesses and farmers, including joining the New York State Certified Organic Association.

Throughout her presentation, Edsall returned to her central message about maintaining straightforward business goals. She acknowledged the demanding nature of farming, particularly dairy and livestock operations that require constant attention to animals.

“Keep your farm goals simple. What are your [monetary] targets for each new thing you’re introducing? When I started, it was, ‘I want to make $10,000 from those broiler chickens’ or ‘Can I make $10,000 off of these rabbits?’ It was simple and for some reason $10,000 was what I wanted each entity to be able to raise so that I would gross $50,000 and that number was a salary to me. I just set simple targets for that.”

ALLAMUCHY, N.J. — What began as a floor-sweeping job for a 12-year-old has blossomed into a thriving greenhouse empire spanning nearly 100 acres.

Abe Willekes started his career doing basic cleaning tasks at a greenhouse facility. Over time, he took on maintenance duties, flower deliveries, and climbed the ranks at Plainview Growers in Pompton Plains, Morris County.

“In 1998, Plainview Growers expanded into Allamuchy, and I became manager of the operations,” said Abe. “Six years later, my wife, Beverly, and I bought 35 acres of land from a local dairy farmer.”

“We established Riverside Greenhouses in 2004, and started selling flowers during the following year,” he continued. “We began with about 16,000 square feet of greenhouse space.”

The business has experienced remarkable growth since its humble beginnings. Today’s operation spans 92 total acres with approximately 76,000 square feet under glass, Abe reports. Ten acres serve as outdoor growing areas, and during busy periods, the company employs around 20 workers.

The Willekes’ five sons, ranging from 6 to 17 years old, also pitch in around the facility.

“It’s beautiful here,” said Abe. “There is a lot of preserved farmland in the area. That means you’re able to get more land for less cost as compared to other areas.”

Riverside Greenhouses maintains year-round production schedules. Spring varieties include begonias, dahlias and geraniums, followed by summer bloomers like zinnias, cannas, and petunias. Autumn brings mums, ornamental cabbage, and ornamental kale, while winter focuses on various poinsettia cultivars.

The operation also produces foliage plants and houseplants beyond flowering varieties.

Production methods vary depending on the crop. Some plants begin as plugs, others as liners, then transfer from 102-cell liner trays or 288-plug trays into individual containers. Direct seeding handles vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and beans.

“We sell on a wholesale basis,” Abe said. “Most of our customers are within about two hours of our location. We sell to independent garden centers, landscapers, and florists in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Landscapers use our flowers to enhance properties, including country clubs and golf courses, throughout the area.”

“We email and fax almost 500 customers weekly,” he continued. “We let them know what we have available every week. Sometimes, we email and fax them twice a week.”

Perhaps the most surprising product line involves citrus trees — an unusual sight in Warren County, New Jersey.

“We bring two tractor-trailer loads of citrus trees up from Florida each year,” said Abe. “We re-wholesale the forty pallets of trees to our customers.”

“Lemon trees are the most popular type of citrus trees we sell,” he continued. “We also sell lime, orange, and tangerine trees. The trees are in one-gallon, three-gallon, five-gallon, and ten-gallon containers. We even have 30-gallon containers. Some of our garden center customers use these larger trees as showpieces.”

Recent expansion efforts have diversified the business further.

“We’ve added a product line of shrubs,” Abe said. “This includes roses and hydrangeas. We see great potential in the future.”

ATLANTIC CITY — The New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Committee brought together approximately 400 regional farmers and agricultural professionals for a special luncheon honoring women in farming at this year’s Northeast Ag Expo. The timing was particularly meaningful, as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Event organizer Darcy Perehinys explained the motivation behind the gathering, emphasizing the unique challenges facing agricultural leaders today.

“Leadership in agriculture doesn’t look like a corner office, it looks like boots by the door and a to-do list that never ends,” Perehinys said. “And sometimes plans completely fall apart before they’ve even been put into action. Let’s be honest, agriculture is hard. Some days it’s amazing and some days you question every decision that you ever made.”

“This event was created so we could all just eat lunch together, talk with each other and learn about each other’s operations,” she said.

The program featured remarks from New Jersey Dairy Princess Dakota Meys, who is also Perehinys’ daughter. Meys highlighted the critical role of mentorship in attracting the next generation to farming.

“From dairy farms to produce fields, from equine operations to specialty crops, agriculture has shaped our state for generations now, and as we look to the future one thing is clear: the success of New Jersey agriculture depends on mentorship, generational learning and a willingness to open our hearts and our farms,” she said.

“Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have in agriculture, the lessons passed down from generation to generation go far beyond how to plant a crop or how to care for livestock, it teaches responsibility, perseverance and respect for the land.”

“Learning from the generations before us allows us to honor the sacrifices they made to keep agriculture alive in a small-but-mighty agricultural state like New Jersey. While technology continues to evolve, the values that define agriculture remain the same, by combining traditional knowledge with new ideas and innovation, we can continue our agricultural heritage while building a stronger future.”

The featured speaker was Dr. Carrie Edsall, an animal science professor at State University of New York, Cobleskill, who operates Black Willow Pond Farm where she raises chickens, pigs and sheep near the college campus.

Edsall focused her presentation on the importance of straightforward marketing approaches for farm operations.

“We all know we can grow great things, but what happens if you can’t market them?” She asked. “That’s where I really stepped up trying to find farmers’ markets, trying to make connections with restaurants and get stuff to New York City. After all there’s 8 million people just south of us. I made all those connections and I was doing a lot of that.”

The professor shared how she balanced family life with business networking, often bringing her young sons to evening meetings while building relationships with neighbors and potential customers. She cited her farm’s annual hog roast and pig roast as examples of strengthening community ties.

“Technology and resources are out there and I urge you to grab them where you can, and when and where you can,” she said, explaining her decision to prioritize networking with local businesses, fellow farmers and neighbors, including joining the New York State Certified Organic Association.

Throughout her talk, Edsall repeatedly stressed the value of uncomplicated goal-setting, particularly given the demanding nature of livestock and dairy operations that require constant attention.

“Keep your farm goals simple. What are your [monetary] targets for each new thing you’re introducing? When I started, it was, ‘I want to make $10,000 from those broiler chickens’ or ‘Can I make $10,000 off of these rabbits?’ It was simple and for some reason $10,000 was what I wanted each entity to be able to raise so that I would gross $50,000 and that number was a salary to me. I just set simple targets for that.”

Schools across the region are discovering that improving milk consumption isn’t about better advertising—it’s about smarter distribution methods.

The growing trend of installing bulk milk dispensers in cafeterias—sleek, self-serve units that replace individual cartons—is earning recognition as a win-win solution. These systems deliver multiple advantages: reduced waste, increased student consumption, cost savings for districts, and much-needed support for dairy producers during tough economic times.

Anyone familiar with school lunch programs has witnessed the common sight of barely touched milk containers heading straight to the trash. Studies conducted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund demonstrate that bulk dispenser systems can slash milk waste by more than 50 percent. Students consistently report that dispensed milk tastes fresher and colder, and when children can control their portion sizes, consumption increases while waste decreases—a combination of smart nutrition policy and practical thinking.

Virginia’s implementation provides compelling evidence of these benefits. According to the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, schools that received donated bulk dispensers experienced approximately 15 percent higher milk consumption—a significant boost for a product already mandated in school meal programs. One Virginia elementary school reported consumption increases exceeding 50 percent following the equipment installation, while simultaneously achieving substantial reductions in packaging waste. These results demonstrate that delivery method significantly impacts student acceptance.

The initiative is supported by substantial financial backing. The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association recently obtained funding from the Van der Lely Foundation to expand bulk dispenser installations beginning in 2026, building upon initial program achievements.

Additional support from organizations including The Dairy Alliance and Farm Credit of the Virginias helps schools manage equipment costs and facilitate the transition. This comprehensive support approach is crucial—while launching pilot programs is straightforward, successfully expanding effective solutions requires sustained commitment, which Virginia is demonstrating at an ideal time. President Trump’s recent approval of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act eliminates Obama-era limitations on whole and 2 percent milk availability in schools, some of which are already providing students enhanced milk access through dispensers.

For dairy industry stakeholders, this represents the type of positive advancement that merits widespread adoption and promotion. Bulk dispensers strengthen student connections with genuine milk products, address both perceived and actual waste concerns, and maintain dairy relevance in educational environments increasingly filled with alternative beverages. The approach also creates rare harmony between environmental objectives and agricultural interests, proving that sustainability and farm profitability can coexist.

While this solution may not be revolutionary and doesn’t address every dairy industry challenge, it demonstrates effectiveness, practicality, and immediate benefits for schools, families, and farmers. Other states should examine these results closely. When straightforward modifications lead to increased milk consumption and decreased waste, the outcome benefits everyone—particularly the dairy community nationwide.

(Editor’s note: Ed Wengryn serves as New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture.)

This month, I’m advancing our ongoing series examining the various divisions within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

For those fascinated by science or curious about New Jersey’s diverse animal population and the efforts required to maintain their wellbeing, the Division of Animal Health (DAH) offers compelling work.

DAH ranks as one of our most scientifically-focused divisions, alongside the Division of Plant Industry. Similar to how its plant-focused counterpart protects vegetation, DAH focuses on stopping diseases that could establish themselves among New Jersey’s animals and cause widespread damage to livestock operations.

The division prioritizes preventing invasive species and diseases from taking hold, since these threats lacking natural predators or defenses in New Jersey can rapidly dominate entire ecosystems.

DAH employs some of the state’s leading veterinarians, led by New Jersey State Veterinarian Dr. Amar Patil, who serves as the division’s director.

The division also operates a nationally recognized laboratory that performs various livestock health screenings for animals entering New Jersey, conducts testing to prevent poultry diseases from infiltrating the state’s approximately 40 live bird markets, and carries out necropsies on request for animals ranging from chickens to a zoo giraffe and dolphins that appeared on Jersey Shore beaches several years ago.

Another segment of this division handles animal cruelty complaints.

This work primarily involves our humane-law chief and a team of Certified Livestock Inspectors (CLIs). This aspect often proves most challenging for the public to comprehend.

Within our state, only approximately 1.5 percent of residents participate in farming. Among that small group, even fewer operate farms involving animals.

Consequently, people driving past livestock farms typically lack specific knowledge about whether an animal they observe is experiencing abuse, neglect, illness while receiving veterinary care, or has no health issues whatsoever – knowledge that varies by species and season.

This situation results in individuals without livestock expertise filing humane-law complaints against animal owners.

When law enforcement responds, similar unfamiliarity with livestock diseases can lead to sick animals being removed from properties, creating potential for those animals to transmit contagious diseases to other animals.

In cases involving “zoonotic” diseases (which can cross species), this could even result in disease transmission to humans.

This concern explains why the division collaborates through the Animal Emergency Working Group at its annual training symposium to enhance Humane Law Enforcement Officers’ understanding of proper biosecurity protocols when responding to farms or other livestock properties.

The most important precaution involves always contacting DAH when complaints involve livestock, ensuring a CLI expert can visit the location and provide context regarding any animals’ “condition.”

New Jersey has long worked to ensure that misunderstandings about animal husbandry don’t unfairly affect farmers operating within animal-cruelty laws.

In 2009, the Department, guided by DAH and assisted by veterinary and livestock experts, established The Humane Standards for the Care and Keeping of Livestock.

This comprehensive regulation, the nation’s first of its kind, establishes minimum standards farmers must meet to remain in a “safe harbor” from animal-cruelty complaints stemming from livestock health misunderstandings.

Ultimately, the division’s primary mission involves protecting the state’s agriculture industry from economically devastating diseases.

Over the past five years, the main disease requiring DAH attention has been Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, or “bird flu”).

The current “HPAI outbreak” across the United States started in early 2022.

It has primarily affected very large poultry operations in the Midwest, West, and South, including cases where the disease jumped (zoonotic) from poultry to animals like dairy cows (impacting the milk industry) and even farm cats (which consumed raw milk from infected cows before farmers knew about the infection).

A significant component of New Jersey’s surveillance involves continuous monitoring of approximately 40 “live bird markets.”

These markets, typically located in urban areas, import live birds from producers in states like Pennsylvania and Midwest and southern states, allowing customers to select live birds from current inventory.

Market staff then process and prepare the birds for customers to take home.

New Jersey lacks many commercial-level chicken-raising facilities, so most birds entering live bird markets come from other states, some of which have experienced far more birds requiring depopulation due to HPAI infection on their originating farms.

New Jersey has experienced several thousand birds needing depopulation for HPAI during this outbreak, while other states have seen millions of birds destroyed to stop HPAI spread.

New Jersey, through DAH, has also conducted milk testing from dairy cows to ensure HPAI doesn’t infiltrate their milk as occurred in several other states.

To date, no evidence of the disease entering New Jersey dairy products has been documented.

However, HPAI isn’t the only livestock disease DAH monitors.

The division was activated when Mad Cow Disease spread through European herds in the early 2000s, remains constantly aware of potential Foot and Mouth Disease in livestock possibly reaching our shores, must stay vigilant against horse diseases like Equine Herpes entering the state from horses arriving for various horse racing and show events held here, and in the latest development, tracks how far north into Mexico the New World Screwworm is progressing, as this parasitic fly disease that deposits eggs in livestock tissue can devastate the livestock industry.

Since much of DAH’s work involves natural phenomena that can create severe emergencies, it’s logical that they’re among the NJDA divisions most deeply involved in preparing for and planning responses to other disaster types.

DAH staff coordinate the County Animal Response Teams (CARTs) that many counties maintain to prepare volunteers for staffing animal shelters located near human evacuation shelters during events like hurricanes.

This “co-located” evacuation shelter approach developed following Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and other Gulf states in 2005.

Many residents refused to evacuate their homes and escape danger because they were told they couldn’t bring their pets.

Some died after refusing to leave their homes. This recognition that “pets ARE family members” created the CART system in New Jersey, with the state and counties now planning for those co-located pet shelters.

Additionally, DAH collaborates with volunteers and agricultural groups to ensure livestock also remain safe when severe weather strikes the state.

Some counties make their fairgrounds or other properties available where stalls and other animal accommodations already exist.

While large numbers of large livestock are difficult to relocate during storms, sometimes “sheltering in place” in barns isn’t feasibly safe.

State facilities like the Horse Park of New Jersey can also serve as temporary livestock shelters.

One of DAH’s newest responsibilities involves how the division and its laboratories will support the brand-new veterinary school at Rowan University.

Until now, New Jersey’s lack of a veterinary school has meant students leaving the state for education and typically remaining in those areas to practice rather than returning to New Jersey.

DAH is collaborating with that school’s leadership to design a “practicum” using the division’s facilities at the Public Health, Environmental, and Agriculture Laboratories headquarters located on the State Police compound in West Trenton, providing hands-on experience for those veterinary students.

Certainly, volumes could be written about the extensive programs and animal disease-prevention efforts of the Division of Animal Health, but I hope this column has provided at least a foundation for understanding what this part of the NJDA accomplishes.

(Editor’s note: Taylor Ross serves as a Teaching Instructor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.)

The topic of animal well-being has gained significant attention among both farmers and the general public in recent times. In the past, our focus was primarily on identifying negative conditions through indicators like disease, wounds, stress, and decreased productivity.

While these negative signs are clearly undesirable and relatively straightforward to observe and track, this raises important questions: Does the absence of suffering automatically mean an animal enjoys positive well-being and a good quality of life? How can we evaluate animal welfare in a more comprehensive way that captures the positive aspects? And what happens when an animal displays mixed welfare signals, appearing content while experiencing health problems?

These positive indicators prove more challenging to recognize and measure. Examining multiple factors simultaneously is crucial for this very reason. Understanding the complete picture when evaluating welfare is essential, since the various elements that influence welfare are interconnected and cannot be completely isolated from one another.

Researchers have developed numerous frameworks over the years to tackle these challenges, continuously creating new approaches and improving existing methods as additional research emerges.

Currently, the most comprehensive and effective approach is the Five Domains Model, which Mellor and colleagues published in 2020.

In this model, Mellor and his research team demonstrate how four functional areas, where humans have considerable influence, ultimately combine to shape an animal’s mental state. The framework shows how different aspects of an animal’s life overlap and interact, ultimately influencing how they view their existence and handle various stressors, whether real or perceived.

Animal owners typically research and understand the nutrition area quite well. This category encompasses providing both water and food, with particular emphasis on species-appropriate nutrition. When problems arise, they often stem from insufficient micronutrients or suboptimal feeding schedules and methods.

Feeding practices that mirror what wild ancestors consumed typically work best, such as providing pasture access for most livestock and horses. However, effective strategies exist to balance the constraints of captivity with proper nutrition for all species. Some approaches will intersect with other areas, including behavioral interactions and health considerations.

The environmental category concentrates on the animal’s living conditions, whether that involves a large pasture, medium-sized barn, or small stall. This also encompasses the conditions and elements present within that space: temperature levels, humidity, air quality, structures or furnishings, and other animals.

Health represents another area that owners have consistently prioritized, particularly with veterinary guidance and disease prevention strategies.

Maintaining animals free from disease and injury, or at least minimizing these issues, while ensuring they produce their intended output (meat, milk, offspring, athletic performance, etc.) defines this category. This area also clearly demonstrates how the different domains interconnect. Nutritional deficiencies quickly lead to health deterioration. Extended exposure to extreme temperatures results in weight loss and reduced productivity. Repetitive behaviors or stereotypies can cause physical harm to animals. Historically, this has been the primary domain used to identify welfare concerns.

These initial three categories address internal imbalances and have benefited from solid research foundations for many years, representing some of the first considerations producers address for their animals. The behavioral category has experienced the most significant changes and improvements recently.

This area examines external interactions and behaviors in animals, which can be divided into three main types of interactions: with the environment, other animals, and humans. Observing how animals choose to engage or avoid these three areas, and the manner of their interactions, can strongly indicate positive or negative welfare outcomes. Do they approach or retreat from humans entering their space? Do they engage with enrichment materials provided? Do they groom their herd companions?

These four functional categories collectively influence the mental domain, which ultimately determines what the animal is “experiencing.” This domain essentially represents the positive or negative effects of the elements controlled in the other four areas.

For instance, consuming a well-balanced diet in appropriate amounts produces signs of satisfaction and comfort. Failing to provide adequate mental stimulation leads to boredom-related behaviors. Implementing gentle handling techniques results in fewer stress indicators and increased tolerance of humans, potentially even leading to animals seeking human contact.

This domain is the most individual-specific since it reveals how each animal perceives their experience. Even when providing identical “correct conditions” for cattle, different herds may show varying levels of contentment, with even greater differences among individual animals within the same herd.

One farmer might need to provide additional enrichment, modify their handling techniques, or adjust nutrition more than another to achieve similar results. This is why welfare assessment always considers the complete context and examines the entire herd when individual customization isn’t practical. This approach can also guide culling decisions to relocate animals that don’t adapt as well to different environments.

Evaluating welfare presents challenges because every aspect of an animal’s life influences it. Using a systematic framework to methodically examine each element helps identify improvement opportunities and establishes a foundation for moving toward assessing positive welfare indicators rather than simply noting the absence of suffering.

Federal agriculture officials are projecting a substantial improvement in the nation’s farm trade balance over the next two fiscal years, with new data released Friday showing optimistic forecasts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture now expects America’s agricultural trade deficit to drop significantly from $43.7 billion in the 2025 fiscal year down to $29 billion by fiscal year 2026. This represents a reduction of more than $14 billion in the trade gap.

The improved outlook is attributed to expectations of reduced agricultural imports coming into the United States during this period.

DELMARVA — Caroline County’s poultry industry took another hit this week as Maryland agriculture officials confirmed a second bird flu outbreak at a commercial operation. The highly pathogenic avian influenza detection marks the 3rd case across the state this month, with Wicomico County also reporting an earlier incident.

Officials have quarantined all impacted facilities with depopulation either completed or underway. This represents a challenging week for Delmarva’s poultry sector as producers remain on high alert for additional cases.

Markets

Grain futures closed the week with solid gains. March corn settled Friday at $4.38¾ per bushel, up 5½ cents. March soybeans advanced 9½ cents to $11.57¼. Wheat showed the strongest performance as a weakening dollar and global weather concerns pushed prices higher.

Livestock markets moved the opposite direction with live cattle dropping sharply. April contracts fell $4.67 to $232.22 per hundredweight. Kansas reported cash cattle trading at $244, down $5 from last week.

Forecast

Mild conditions continue this evening with temperatures around 51° under mostly sunny skies. Tonight brings patchy fog with lows dropping to 32°. Sunday looks wet with rain showers likely and highs only reaching 43°. Fields will stay too wet for any work through the weekend.

By Monday the region will dry out with sunshine returning and highs climbing back to 36°, but a slight chance of light snow returns Monday night into Tuesday morning.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 28, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

DELMARVA — Maryland’s poultry industry took another hit this week as agriculture officials confirmed a 2nd bird flu outbreak at a commercial operation in Caroline County. That brings Maryland’s total cases to 3 this year, including an earlier detection in Wicomico County.

All affected facilities remain under quarantine with birds already destroyed or in the process of being depopulated. Officials are working to contain the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain and prevent further spread across Delmarva’s critical poultry sector.

Crop Insurance

Delaware farmers have less than 3 weeks to secure crop insurance for the 2026 season. The March 15 sales deadline is approaching fast for coverage on corn, soybeans, and wheat. Producers need to refresh business entity information with their insurance agents and review coverage levels before that deadline hits.

Markets

March corn closed Friday at $4.38.75/bu, up 5.5 cents. March soybeans climbed 9.5 cents to $11.57.25. March wheat gained 14.75 cents. Live cattle futures took a beating, with April contracts dropping $4.67 to $232.22/hundredweight.

Forecast

Patchy fog gives way to mostly sunny skies Saturday with highs reaching 51° and light south winds. Sunday brings a chance of light rain with highs near 45° and northeast winds 5-10 mph.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 28, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

According to a key agricultural industry leader, emerging innovations utilizing soybeans could significantly boost market demand for the crop. Thomas Frisch, who serves as secretary of the United Soybean Board and farms in Minnesota, believes these technological advances offer considerable promise for expanding soybean markets.

Frisch indicates that the development of new soy-based applications represents an important opportunity for increasing demand in the agricultural sector.

Livestock trading activity ramped up Friday across several major cattle-producing states, with transactions occurring at prices below last week’s levels.

In Kansas, cattle deals were completed at $244 per hundredweight, representing a $5 decrease compared to the previous week’s weighted average prices. Nebraska also saw trading activity with several transactions reported at $243 on a live weight basis.

Meanwhile, in Texas, packers have offered $244 per hundredweight for live cattle, but producers have declined these bids so far. The rejection of these offers suggests Texas ranchers may be holding out for higher prices despite the downward trend seen in other states.

The price movements reflect ongoing market dynamics in the cattle industry as producers and packers negotiate terms for livestock sales across the region.

As the planting season approaches, farmers are focusing on developing comprehensive crop protection strategies. According to Ty Witten, who serves as vice president for commercial LTO at Bayer, seventeen states have already given their approval for Dicamba registration.

“Hopefully over the next 30 days we’ll have that product available and place so growers can have a good season,” Witten stated.

Witten noted that producers planning to utilize over-the-top applications should be preparing their management programs accordingly as they gear up for the upcoming growing season.

The United States will continue blocking live cattle imports from Mexico for the foreseeable future, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced during the Commodity Classic conference. The ongoing ban stems from concerns about New World screwworm remaining too close to American borders.

Speaking to reporters at the agricultural event, Rollins explained the daily monitoring process behind the import restrictions. “Every day, I get an update and every day, I have to make the decision to continue to protect livestock,” she stated.

The Agriculture Secretary emphasized that officials currently have no timeline for when the import suspension might be lifted, citing the persistent proximity of the dangerous parasite to U.S. territory.

Agricultural commodity markets displayed mixed trading results at Thursday’s closing bell on February 27, 2026, with grain prices showing strength while livestock futures faced downward pressure.

March corn contracts finished the day at $4.38¾ per bushel, climbing 5½ cents from the previous session. Soybean futures for March delivery posted even stronger gains, advancing 9½ cents to settle at $11.57¼ per bushel.

However, soybean-related products showed divergent performance. March soybean meal contracts dropped $2.10 to close at $315.50, while March soybean oil remained flat at 61.29 cents.

Chicago wheat futures demonstrated significant strength, with March contracts surging 19½ cents to end trading at $5.91¼ per bushel.

Livestock markets faced selling pressure across most sectors. April live cattle futures declined $4.67 to $232.22 per hundredweight, while March feeder cattle dropped $6.22 to $355.42. April lean hog contracts bucked the trend by remaining unchanged at $95.72.

These market movements reflect ongoing volatility in agricultural commodities as traders assess supply and demand factors affecting both grain and livestock sectors.

Despite rising farming expenses, one agricultural specialist believes corn production is poised for a significant comeback this season. Alex Case, who works as a retail sales agronomist with Brevant Seeds in the Eastern Corn Belt region, anticipates that elevated input costs won’t discourage many farmers from planting corn this year.

According to Case, southeastern Indiana could experience a robust corn growing season if weather conditions remain favorable. He noted that corn acreage had declined in the previous year, setting the stage for this anticipated recovery.

“Last year we were off some corn acres just because,” Case explained, suggesting that various factors had contributed to reduced plantings in the prior season.

The prediction comes as farmers across the Midwest prepare for spring planting decisions, weighing factors such as commodity prices, weather forecasts, and production costs when determining their crop allocations for the upcoming growing season.

Livestock futures took a major hit during Friday’s trading session at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with both live and feeder cattle contracts experiencing substantial losses. The downturn came as direct cattle trading activity intensified throughout the week, while broader market volatility added additional pressure to agricultural commodities.

Live cattle contracts saw steep declines across multiple delivery months. The April contract dropped by $4.67, settling at $232.22 per hundredweight, while the June contract fell $4.25 to close at $229.15. Feeder cattle futures were hit even harder, with March contracts tumbling $6.22 to $355.42 per hundredweight, and April contracts also posting significant losses.

Market analysts pointed to two primary factors driving the sell-off: increased direct cattle trading activity during the week and substantial losses in the Dow Jones Industrial Average during Friday’s session. The combination of these market forces created downward pressure on cattle futures throughout the trading day.

A Michigan agricultural producer has been honored with the state’s top recognition in pork production for 2026. Andy White, who manages a complete hog operation from breeding to finishing along with 3,200 acres of row crop farming in Cass County, received the Michigan Master Pork Producer designation.

White expressed optimism about maintaining profitable operations through the upcoming year as industry forecasts suggest. However, he remains cautious about market uncertainties that could quickly shift the agricultural landscape.

“That could all change with a tweet,” White noted, highlighting the volatile nature of modern agricultural markets. “That could all change with any announcement. We export…” he added, referencing the importance of international trade to the pork industry.

The White family operation represents the type of diversified farming that combines livestock production with substantial crop cultivation, a common approach in Michigan’s agricultural sector.

High school students in Ohio are getting hands-on experience in agricultural careers through a new partnership program. Ohio 4-H has teamed up with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to launch an initiative designed to connect young people with potential career paths in farming and related fields.

The program, known as Spark EXPO, takes a unique approach to career preparation by allowing teenagers to tackle real-world challenges in areas that interest them most. According to Margo Overholt-Seckel from Ohio 4-H, the initiative showcases various academic departments to give students comprehensive exposure to different opportunities.

“We try to feature all of our academic units to help students learn about” the diverse career possibilities available in agriculture and environmental sciences, Overholt-Seckel explained.

The collaborative effort represents a growing trend of educational institutions working together to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical career preparation, particularly in agricultural sectors that face workforce development challenges.

The Senate Agriculture Committee is preparing to develop its own farm bill legislation over the next several months, according to Committee Chairman John Boozman in an interview with Agri-Pulse.

Boozman indicated that the committee’s schedule will be influenced by the progress of House deliberations on their farm bill version, which are set to take place next week.

As dicamba herbicide prepares to return for the 2026 growing season, agricultural experts are emphasizing the need for extensive preparation and coordination among farming communities.

Kevin Bradley, a weed scientist at the University of Missouri, is advising farmers who are considering over-the-top dicamba applications for weed control to prioritize careful preparation and open dialogue with neighboring operations.

“Talk, talk, talk. You’ve got to talk to your neighbors about what you intend to do with planting so there can at least be [coordination],” Bradley stated, highlighting the critical importance of communication in agricultural planning.

The expert’s recommendations focus on three key areas: comprehensive training, strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and thorough advance planning before implementing dicamba treatments during the growing season.

Local farmers in Wisconsin successfully fought off new regulatory measures after a county board rejected proposed restrictions on agricultural operations. The Pierce County Town of Rock Elm Board voted down an ordinance that had been recommended by a CAFO study committee.

According to Erin Tomasik from the Dairy Business Association, agricultural producers actively engaged in the local political process to voice their concerns. “We’re super appreciative that the” farmers took initiative to participate in the discussion, Tomasik told Brownfield.

The proposed regulations would have imposed additional requirements on concentrated animal feeding operations in the area, but the board ultimately sided with the farming community’s opposition to the new rules.

Agricultural commodity markets closed higher Friday, with wheat posting strong gains driven by a declining U.S. dollar and persistent weather-related concerns affecting global crop conditions.

Soybean markets also moved upward, supported by short covering activities and technical purchasing patterns that helped secure a positive weekly close. Market analysts are closely monitoring weather conditions across key South American growing regions in Argentina and Brazil, which could impact global supply chains.

The soybean market faces significant uncertainty as traders await potential renewed purchasing activity from China. Current market dynamics are complicated by ongoing tariff concerns and Brazil’s competitive pricing advantage over U.S. exports, creating challenges for American grain producers.

Industry observers are anticipating the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s upcoming market reports for additional guidance on supply and demand fundamentals in the coming weeks.

Federal trade officials have begun a mandatory assessment of penalties imposed on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia, as agricultural producers continue to struggle with elevated costs and ongoing commercial disputes.

The International Trade Commission is conducting this required five-year evaluation of countervailing duties that were placed on phosphate fertilizers originating from these two nations. The review process occurs amid a challenging environment of soaring fertilizer prices and international trade tensions affecting the agricultural sector.

DELMARVA — Another suspected bird flu outbreak hit a commercial chicken farm in Caroline County today, marking Maryland’s 3rd case this year and the 2nd in Caroline County. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has placed the facility under quarantine, with birds already destroyed or scheduled for immediate depopulation. This follows an earlier Wicomico County case detected earlier this month. Officials continue intensive surveillance across all commercial poultry operations on the Eastern Shore.

Markets

Agricultural commodities closed Friday with mixed results. March corn finished at $4.38¾ per bushel, up 5½ cents. March soybeans gained 9½ cents, settling at $11.57¼. March soybean meal dropped $2.10 to $315.50 per short ton, while soybean oil held steady at 43.8 cents per pound. Live cattle futures took a beating, with April contracts down $4.67 to $232.22 per hundredweight.

Forecast

Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with patchy fog developing and a low near 28°. Saturday brings mostly sunny conditions after morning fog clears, with highs reaching 52°. Sunday brings a chance of rain showers with highs near 47°.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 27, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

Pennsylvania officials are dealing with a catastrophic avian influenza outbreak that has killed 7.4 million chickens across the state in just the past month, marking one of the most severe losses the region has experienced.

The massive die-off continues a nationwide bird flu crisis that started four years ago and has now claimed 196 million birds across the United States. This highly contagious virus, typically carried by migrating wild birds, has also jumped to farm workers and affected poultry and other animals worldwide.

“We are obviously in crisis mode,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared during a public forum this week, emphasizing that infections were happening “dramatically earlier in the season than what we expected.”

According to Shannon Powers, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, snow geese and other wild birds that remained in Pennsylvania through the winter months are believed to be the source of the poultry outbreaks.

The state ranks as America’s fourth-largest producer of eggs, making these losses particularly significant for the national food supply.

Experts believe this winter’s extreme cold played a crucial role in the outbreak’s severity. Dr. Megan Lighty, a veterinarian with Penn State University, explained that the harsh temperatures likely forced wild birds away from their usual habitats as rivers and ponds froze over.

“The theory is that they were looking for sources of food and may have ventured closer to farms than they normally would,” Lighty explained on Friday, though she noted she couldn’t definitively confirm this scenario occurred.

The hardest-hit area has been Lancaster County, located roughly an hour west of Philadelphia, where numerous farms operate in close proximity to each other.

Chris Herr, who serves as executive vice president of PennAg, a Pennsylvania agricultural business association, observed unusual bird behavior this winter. “We had birds in this area maybe a little bit earlier than we normally would have had,” Herr said, referring to the wild bird populations.

“In some cases, they got stuck here. They were looking for open water,” he added.

Historically, poultry farms face the greatest risk of viral infections during spring and fall seasons when waterfowl migrate through the region.

However, 2025 has broken that pattern. Pennsylvania recorded its first commercial outbreak of the year in February, ending more than a year without any reported cases, according to federal government data. The current surge began when a farm housing 1.5 million egg-laying hens reported an infection in late January, following a positive test at a commercial duck operation in December 2025.

Standard protocol requires the destruction of all birds at any infected facility. Since January 28, Pennsylvania farms housing more than 7 million birds combined have confirmed outbreaks, federal data shows.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lighty expressed concern about what spring migration season might bring. “If things are this bad now, once spring migration starts and we’ve got more birds moving through the area… my gut feeling is it’s probably going to get worse,” she warned.

Minnesota state lawmakers are advancing legislation that would restore whole milk and 2% milk options to school cafeterias across the state. The proposed measure is currently making its way through the Minnesota legislature.

The legislation matches federal regulations that permit schools to offer students expanded milk variety. State Senator Torrey Westrom, a Republican from Alexandria, describes the proposal as beneficial for both students and the state’s dairy industry.

“Making it easier for students that want an alternative,” Westrom said, highlighting how the measure would provide more options in school lunchrooms while simultaneously supporting Minnesota’s agricultural community.

Agricultural students across Ohio marked National FFA Week by engaging in community service projects designed to showcase their organization’s values and mission. State FFA Secretary Abbey Garland explained that the annual celebration provided young people involved in agriculture nationwide with chances to contribute meaningfully to their local areas.

According to Garland, Ohio’s participation included various service initiatives, with the Veterans Remembrance Program standing out as one example where FFA participants paid tribute to military veterans. The week-long celebration allowed agricultural youth to demonstrate their commitment to community involvement while promoting awareness of their organization’s goals and impact.

Republican legislators in Michigan are advocating for standardized wetland classification criteria following worries that conflicting interpretations could jeopardize farmers’ eligibility for federal agricultural programs and put their operations at risk.

During a recent agricultural committee session in the state House, Representative Gregory Alexander drew from his personal background to illustrate the problem with varying wetland assessments. “As a (former) drain commissioner, and I’ve put in literally hundreds of millions of dollars worth of erosion,” Alexander told committee members during the hearing.

The lawmakers’ concerns center on how inconsistent wetland determinations by different agencies could prevent agricultural producers from accessing vital USDA programs and resources, potentially threatening the long-term sustainability of farming operations across the state.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is keeping close watch on rising agricultural bankruptcy numbers throughout the United States, expressing concern about the psychological impact on farming families. The Republican lawmaker addressed the issue during his regular weekly agriculture media briefing.

“I think the number of bankruptcies are up over the long-term, but still way short of what we had in previous farm crisis,” Grassley stated, while emphasizing that additional mental health support services are essential for agricultural communities facing financial hardship.

The United States Department of Agriculture has published its yearly analysis of cold storage facility inventories nationwide for 2022, offering a comprehensive look at how food products were stored and managed across the country.

The annual report tracks inventory levels at refrigerated warehouses and storage facilities, providing valuable data for understanding food supply chains and storage patterns throughout the year.

This information serves as an important resource for agricultural producers, food distributors, and industry analysts who monitor trends in food storage and distribution across the United States.

The USDA compiles this data regularly to help track the movement and storage of perishable goods in the nation’s cold storage network, which plays a crucial role in maintaining food supply stability.

Despite challenging profit margins, corn farmers are being encouraged to continue pursuing maximum yields through strategic input choices. Heather Vosburgh, who serves as Strategic Account Manager for Nitrogen Stabilizers at Corteva Agriscience, emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate crop inputs for optimal results.

“A proven product with a track record of yield and success behind it, and really it’s a lot about risk management. So going into” the growing season, farmers need to focus on products with demonstrated performance, Vosburgh explained.

The fertilizer management expert stresses that maintaining nitrogen protection throughout the entire growing season remains essential for achieving strong corn production, even when economic pressures make input decisions more difficult.

Following the State of the Union address, Vice President J.D. Vance made a Thursday appearance in Plover, Wisconsin, where he discussed challenges facing agriculture and manufacturing sectors. During his remarks, Vance emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the ongoing farm commodity pricing crisis that has affected producers across the country.

The Vice President noted that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the current administration have prioritized these agricultural concerns from the beginning of their tenure. “We’ve made very strong efforts and we’re going to keep on working at this with our farmers,” Vance stated during his Wisconsin visit.

Research conducted by Purdue University reveals that Brazil is positioned to maintain its economic advantage in soybean farming, potentially creating ongoing challenges for American agricultural exports on the global stage.

According to the university’s findings, Brazil operates with significantly reduced production expenses when compared to United States farmers. Researcher Joana Colussi points to several factors contributing to this economic disparity.

“Brazil’s structure is heavily impacted by heavy tropical agriculture and a dependence on imported fertilizers,” Colussi explained. The researcher noted that ongoing agricultural expansion in the region continues to strengthen the country’s position in international soybean markets.

The study suggests this cost differential between Brazilian and American soybean operations is unlikely to diminish in the near future, raising concerns about the long-term competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports in key international markets.

HEIDELBERG, South Africa — Officials in South Africa launched a nationwide cattle vaccination initiative Friday aimed at controlling a devastating foot-and-mouth disease crisis that poses serious risks to the country’s meat, dairy, and livestock sectors.

The disease crisis, which began escalating in late 2023 and has quickly swept through South Africa’s agricultural regions, has now impacted nearly 297,000 head of cattle. Farmers have been forced to destroy more than 120,000 animals in desperate attempts to prevent further transmission.

The epidemic poses significant risks including widespread meat shortages, substantial employment losses, and revenue losses reaching millions of dollars as nations like China and Zambia have implemented bans on South African meat imports.

On Friday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen initiated the nation’s vaccination campaign, utilizing one million vaccine doses that recently arrived from Turkey.

Additional vaccine shipments are anticipated over the weekend, though officials express worry that current supplies fall far short of what’s needed to inoculate the country’s approximately 12 million cattle.

“The one strategy that we have ultimately adopted is the mass vaccination strategy. So we can get ahead of the foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa and ensure that we can prevent outbreaks from happening rather than reacting to outbreaks,” said Steenhuisen.

KwaZulu-Natal province along the coast has emerged as the primary center of the crisis, with more than 17,000 agricultural operations impacted. Officials have formally designated the situation as a national emergency, creating a legal mechanism that enables the government to direct emergency funding primarily toward vaccine procurement.

The country’s treasury has designated approximately $25 million to combat the outbreak, with most funds earmarked for vaccine purchases.

Agricultural producers and meat processing companies are facing severe challenges, forced to isolate infected livestock and halt all commercial activities and exports while dealing with critical vaccine shortages nationwide.

Dr. Dirk Verwoerd, a veterinary professional with South Africa’s leading meat processing company, Karan Beef, explained that the outbreak’s consequences are affecting every segment of the meat and dairy sectors.

“You have massive damage upstream and downstream,” he told The Associated Press. “You cannot purchase cows, so your primary producers now sit with them. They can’t sell, and we can’t purchase. You cannot slaughter, so the consumer pays the price.”

Karan Beef operates the nation’s largest cattle facility in Heidelberg, spanning 2,300 hectares (5,680 acres) with capacity for more than 140,000 head of cattle.

“It’s an epidemic that is out of control, completely out of control,” said Verwoerd. “Rampant infections happening in all the provinces, daily, there are just more and more reports. The first target is to get stability. And that’s why we need to vaccinate the national herd, the national population.”

Soybean markets have maintained their upward momentum for weeks as traders remain hopeful about a potential massive purchase agreement with China, according to agricultural market experts.

Industry analysts report that speculation surrounding China’s possible acquisition of 8 million metric tons of American soybeans has provided sustained support for commodity prices beyond what many forecasters anticipated.

“It’s been going since the first week of February,” one market analyst noted, referring to when the price surge began following President Trump’s social media post about agricultural trade discussions with Chinese officials.

The prolonged price strength reflects market confidence that negotiations between the two nations could result in significant soybean exports, providing a boost to American farmers and agricultural markets.

Massive traffic jams of soybean-laden trucks are creating significant delays at a major Brazilian port in the Amazon, as the country’s record-breaking harvest of around 180 million metric tons strains the agricultural export system.

The transportation bottleneck at the Miritituba port terminal demonstrates the persistent logistical challenges facing Brazil’s farm supply chain, with much of the crop headed to Chinese markets. Brazil serves as the world’s top soybean producer and exporter.

Truck driver Jeferson Borges da Silva described the situation after waiting two days in a 20-mile line of vehicles following his 1,200-kilometer journey from Mato Grosso state. “It’s a disgrace here in Miritituba,” da Silva told reporters. “We’ve been in line for two days already, this year was the worst yet.”

The Miritituba facility serves as a crucial transfer point, processing about 12 million metric tons of grain each year, including both soybeans and corn. Major agricultural companies like Cargill, Bunge, and Brazil’s Amaggi run river terminals at the location, where crops get transferred to barges for transport to larger ports equipped to load ocean vessels. Heavy traffic typically occurs during harvest season.

INDIGENOUS DEMONSTRATIONS ADD TO EXPORT DIFFICULTIES

The agricultural sector’s problems have been amplified by Indigenous protesters who occupied a Cargill transfer facility in Santarem earlier this month. The activists opposed government plans to dredge and expand shipping routes through the Amazon region.

These demonstrations led officials to cancel a decree on Monday that would have made such waterway improvements easier, creating additional uncertainty for farm exporters.

Driver Wellington Bressan suggested the Indigenous demonstrations may have worsened the Miritituba backup as truckers rushed to secure unloading positions. “Truckers live on commission, if they work, they make money. That’s why they did not want to wait before coming to Miritituba,” Bressan explained.

Cargill temporarily suspended operations at its Santarem terminal during the protests but announced Thursday it was working to restart activities. The company issued a statement thanking workers for their “resilience” and reaffirming its dedication to moving food “safely and reliably.”

INFRASTRUCTURE WORRIES GROW

The canceled government decree could delay efforts to improve transportation infrastructure along the northern export route, according to University of São Paulo logistics specialist Thiago Pera. He cautioned about potential medium and long-term effects on Brazil’s capacity to efficiently manage agricultural exports.

“The scenario is becoming increasingly challenging,” Pera noted, explaining that river dredging would enable larger ships to operate year-round, reducing trucking demands and transportation costs. Approximately 60% of Brazil’s farm exports depend on truck transportation.

Drivers like Sonia da Silva expressed anger about inadequate infrastructure at Miritituba’s terminals. “How are you going to fit 1,000 trucks in a yard that only holds 500, or 200?” she questioned.

Trading activity for dairy commodities wrapped up Friday with predominantly declining values at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Dry whey experienced a modest decline, dropping half a cent to close at $0.6325 per pound. Market activity included one transaction recorded at the closing price.

Forty-pound blocks of cheese fell by three-quarters of a cent, finishing at $1.5225 per pound, though no trading activity was documented for this commodity. Meanwhile, cheese barrels held their ground at $1.56 per pound with no recorded transactions.

Butter experienced the most significant decline among dairy products, falling 2 cents to settle at $1.84 per pound. This commodity saw the most active trading of the day, with twelve transactions occurring within a price range of $1.83 to $1.85.

Nonfat dry milk maintained its previous level at $1.71 per pound, with one sale completing at that exact price point.

Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig believes significant benefits await farmers if the Conservation Reserve Program receives much-needed updates. According to Naig, the program must better align with current agricultural practices and priorities.

“And what do I mean by that? We are working heavily, mightily, aggressively towards improving soil conservation (and) improving water quality,” Naig explained when discussing the need for program reforms.

The agriculture official emphasizes that modernizing CRP would create numerous advantages for farming operations while addressing contemporary environmental challenges facing the industry today.

Growing anger among corn farmers is reaching a boiling point as Washington continues to stall on approving year-round sales of E15 ethanol fuel nationwide, according to agricultural leaders.

Ohio farmer Jed Bower, who leads the National Corn Growers Association, addressed the issue during the general session at the 2026 Commodity Classic. Bower expressed his organization’s mounting impatience with federal lawmakers.

“With the lack of work we’re seeing in D.C., we’ve been Midwest nice for too long,” Bower stated during his remarks to the agricultural gathering.

The push for nationwide, year-round E15 availability has been a key priority for corn producers, who see the higher ethanol blend as crucial for expanding markets for their crop. Currently, E15 faces seasonal restrictions that limit its sale during summer months in many areas.

Cattle ranchers across the Western Corn Belt are facing increasingly severe drought conditions with little relief in sight, according to an agricultural weather expert.

Eric Snodgrass, a meteorologist with Nutrient Ag Solutions, reports that livestock producers in the region are urgently awaiting moisture relief. The winter season has brought insufficient precipitation, leaving ranchers struggling with dry conditions.

Weather forecasts suggest that meaningful improvement in drought conditions may not arrive until April or May, extending the challenging period for agricultural operations in the affected areas.

The prolonged dry spell continues to impact cattle operations throughout the Western Corn Belt, where adequate moisture is essential for pasture conditions and livestock management.

(Editor’s note: Taylor Ross serves as a Teaching Instructor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.)

The topic of animal well-being has gained significant attention among farmers and the general public in recent years. In the past, we primarily focused on negative indicators of welfare, tracking things like disease, injuries, stress, and decreased productivity.

While these negative factors are clearly undesirable and relatively easy to observe and measure, they don’t tell the complete story. Does an animal that isn’t suffering necessarily enjoy positive welfare and a good quality of life? How can we evaluate animal well-being more comprehensively and identify positive indicators? What happens when an animal displays mixed welfare signals, appearing content while experiencing health problems?

These positive indicators prove more challenging to recognize and measure. It’s crucial to examine multiple factors for this very reason. Context is always important when evaluating welfare, since various factors influence each other and cannot be completely isolated.

Over the years, researchers have developed numerous frameworks to tackle these questions, creating new approaches and improving existing methods as additional research emerges.

Currently, the most comprehensive and effective approach is the Five Domains Model, published by Mellor and colleagues in 2020.

In this model, Mellor and his team demonstrate how four functional areas, which we largely control, ultimately combine to shape the animal’s mental state. The framework shows how different aspects of an animal’s life overlap and interact, ultimately influencing how they view their existence and handle stress, whether real or perceived.

The nutrition category is typically one that animal caretakers study and grasp well. This area encompasses providing both water and food, and crucially, appropriate food for each species. When problems arise, they usually occur here through inadequate micronutrients or suboptimal feeding schedules and methods.

Feeding animals as closely as possible to what their wild ancestors consumed generally works best, such as pasture for most livestock and horses. However, effective strategies exist to balance captivity with proper nutrition for all species. Some approaches will connect with other areas, including behavioral interactions or health considerations.

The environmental category concentrates on the animal’s living quarters, whether that’s an expansive pasture, a medium-sized barn, or a small stall. It also encompasses the conditions and other elements within that space: temperature, humidity, air quality, equipment and structures, other animals, and more.

Health represents another area that has consistently received attention from owners, particularly with veterinary assistance and biosecurity protocols.

Maintaining animals free from disease and injury, or at least minimizing these issues, while ensuring they produce their intended output (meat, milk, offspring, athletic performance, etc.) defines this domain. This area also clearly demonstrates how the domains interconnect. When nutrition falls short somehow, health quickly begins to decline. When animals experience prolonged heat or cold stress, weight and production losses follow. Repetitive behaviors can physically harm the animal. Historically, this domain has been our primary indicator of welfare problems.

These initial three domains concentrate on factors that reveal internal imbalances and have maintained solid research foundations for years, representing some of the first considerations producers address for their animals. The behavioral domain has experienced significant changes and improvements recently.

This area focuses on external interactions and behaviors in our animals. It can be divided into three main interactions: with the environment, other animals, and humans. Observing how animals choose to interact, or avoid interaction, with these three areas and their manner of doing so can indicate positive or negative welfare outcomes. Do they move toward or away from humans entering their space? Do they engage with enrichment items we provide? Do they groom their herd companions?

These four functional domains combine to influence the mental domain, which ultimately determines what the animal is “experiencing.” This domain essentially represents the positive or negative effects of the elements we control in the other four areas.

For instance, consuming a balanced diet in appropriate amounts produces signs of satisfaction and comfort. Failing to provide sufficient mental stimulation results in boredom behaviors. Implementing low-stress handling techniques significantly reduces stress indicators and increases tolerance of humans, potentially leading to animals actually liking humans and seeking them out.

This domain is the most individual-specific since it reveals how each animal perceives their experience. Even when we provide identical “correct conditions” for cattle, different herds may show varying levels of contentment, with even greater differences among individual herd members.

One farmer might need to provide additional enrichment, modify their handling techniques, or adjust nutrition more than another to achieve similar results. This explains why we always evaluate welfare within complete context and examine the entire herd when individual customization isn’t practical. This approach can also help with culling decisions to relocate animals that don’t adapt as well to different environments.

Evaluating welfare presents challenges because every aspect of an animal’s life impacts it. Using a systematic framework to methodically examine each component helps us identify improvement areas and provides a foundation for advancing toward evaluating positive welfare indicators rather than simply confirming the absence of suffering.

Farm organizations are taking advantage of this year’s Commodity Classic conference to promote the advantages of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as the trade pact faces an upcoming evaluation period.

Agricultural advocates at the national gathering are emphasizing how the trade deal benefits American farmers and strengthens competitive advantages across North America.

(Editor’s note: Susan Schoenian serves as Sheep and Goat Specialist Emeritus at the University of Maryland.)

A revolutionary technology called virtual fencing allows farmers to manage livestock without traditional physical barriers. The system relies on sound alerts and mild electric stimulation to maintain animals within designated invisible perimeters.

This innovative approach takes advantage of livestock’s natural flocking behavior. Animals wear GPS-enabled collars equipped with solar panels and rechargeable batteries. Manufacturers have created collar versions specifically for sheep and goats, with smaller models available even for miniature goat breeds.

Sheep present unique challenges due to their wool, prompting Australian scientists to explore ear tag alternatives. Some animals may also resist wearing collar devices.

When livestock approach the predetermined boundary, their collars produce audible warnings designed to capture attention and encourage retreat from the virtual barrier. Animals that ignore the audio cues receive a mild electric correction through the collar. Once an animal crosses the boundary, it can return to the grazing zone without any deterrent activation.

Successful implementation requires reliable cellular service, making the technology most effective in open areas with strong cell tower coverage and abundant sunlight. Terrain features like hills and wooded areas can interfere with connectivity.

Battery maintenance adds to the workload, as power sources typically require replacement every three to eight weeks depending on usage patterns.

The financial investment is substantial. Leading manufacturers price individual collars at $269 each when purchasing five to 24 units for sheep or goats, with volume discounts available for larger orders. Monthly software subscriptions cost $4.50 per collar, or $35 annually, enabling smartphone-based herd management through mobile applications.

Despite these expenses, traditional fencing also carries significant costs, plus the labor demands of relocating barriers and animals during rotational grazing operations.

Predator protection remains a major concern for sheep and goat operations considering virtual systems. Unlike physical barriers, these invisible boundaries cannot exclude dangerous wildlife from grazing areas. Supporters argue the technology allows livestock to escape threats rather than becoming trapped against solid fencing.

Future developments may incorporate livestock guardian animals into virtual grazing programs, though this involves more complexity than simply equipping guard dogs with collars.

The technology is attracting growing interest among small ruminant producers, but users must understand that virtual systems cannot contain every animal consistently. The focus centers more on directing movement than absolute containment, meaning physical fencing remains necessary in certain situations.

Virtual barriers work best in locations where traditional fencing proves difficult or prohibitively expensive to install. The technology excels at managing rotational grazing within existing perimeter fences while providing enhanced livestock monitoring capabilities through smartphone connectivity.

Research confirms that sheep and goats can successfully adapt to virtual fencing systems, though real-world results vary widely and economic benefits differ across individual operations.

A Virginia cattle and grain farmer was celebrated last month for his decade-long commitment to agricultural advocacy and leadership.

Russell L. Williams II, who operates a farming business in Rockbridge County, received recognition on February 26th for his ten years of dedicated service as a board member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. The honor was presented by VFBF President Scott Sink during the board’s gathering in Richmond.

In his role as District 5 director, Williams advocates for farming families across seven Virginia counties: Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Highland, Nelson, Rockbridge, and Rockingham.

Beyond his directorship duties, Williams leads the VFBF Membership Services Advisory Committee as chairman and serves as vice chairman of the organization’s Governance and Nominating Committee. He also contributes to the VFBF Farm Safety Advisory Committee.

Williams has deep roots in local agricultural leadership through his involvement with the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau, where he has held multiple leadership positions including president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer, in addition to serving on its board.

Since beginning his farming career in 1996, Williams has operated RLW Hay & Grain LLC alongside his son, Russell L. Williams III, focusing on cattle and small grain production.

The Virginia Tech graduate, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, extends his community service beyond agriculture. He participates on the Rockbridge County Building Code Review Board, contributes to The Gideons International, and advises Virginia Tech’s McCormick Farm. Williams also serves as an elder at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lexington.

Williams and his wife Joyce are parents to four children and enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation represents nearly 137,000 members across 88 county organizations, making it the state’s most influential agricultural advocacy organization. The group operates as an independent, nonpartisan volunteer association dedicated to championing Virginia’s farming industry.

For additional information, contact Kathy Dixon, VFBF assistant director of communications, at 804-370-3055.

(Editor’s note: Susan Schoenian serves as Sheep and Goat Specialist Emeritus at the University of Maryland.)

A revolutionary technology known as virtual fencing offers livestock producers an alternative to traditional barriers by using invisible boundaries to manage their animals. This innovative system relies on sound alerts and mild electrical stimulation delivered through specialized collars to guide livestock behavior rather than physical fences.

The technology operates by tapping into animals’ natural flocking behaviors. Every adult animal receives a GPS-enabled collar equipped with solar charging capabilities and rechargeable power sources. Manufacturers have developed collar versions tailored for sheep and goats, with smaller models available even for miniature goat breeds.

Sheep wool presents unique challenges for collar placement, prompting Australian scientists to explore ear-mounted alternatives. Additionally, some animals may reject wearing the collar devices altogether.

When livestock approach predetermined virtual boundaries, their collars produce warning sounds intended to capture attention and encourage retreat from restricted areas through conditioning. Animals that ignore audio warnings receive mild electrical corrections through their collars. However, if animals do cross boundaries, they can return to approved grazing zones without additional stimulation.

Successful virtual fencing implementation requires reliable cellular connectivity and adequate sunlight exposure for solar charging. Terrain features like dense tree cover and steep hillsides may interfere with system performance.

Battery maintenance adds to operational demands, with power cells typically requiring replacement every three to eight weeks depending on usage patterns.

Economic considerations remain substantial with this emerging technology. A prominent virtual fencing provider prices individual collars at $269 each when purchasing five to 24 units for sheep or goat operations. Bulk purchases reduce per-unit costs, but software subscriptions add $4.50 monthly per collar or $35 annually. The accompanying mobile application enables remote grazing management through smartphones and tablets.

Traditional fencing also carries significant expenses and labor requirements for rotational grazing systems, making cost comparisons complex for producers.

Predator protection represents a major concern for sheep and goat operations considering virtual fencing. Unlike physical barriers, these systems cannot prevent predators from accessing grazing areas. Supporters argue that virtual boundaries allow livestock to escape threats rather than becoming trapped against solid fencing. Future integration of livestock guardian animals into virtual systems remains under development but involves complexities beyond simply equipping guardian dogs with collars.

Virtual fencing adoption continues growing among small ruminant producers, though users must recognize the technology focuses more on animal movement than absolute containment. Physical fencing will remain necessary for certain applications.

The system proves most valuable in locations where traditional fencing installation is impractical or prohibitively expensive. Virtual boundaries work particularly well for rotational grazing within existing perimeter fences and provide enhanced livestock monitoring capabilities through smartphone connectivity.

Research demonstrates that sheep and goats can successfully adapt to virtual fencing systems, though real-world results vary considerably and economic benefits depend heavily on individual farm circumstances.

DELMARVA — Maryland agriculture officials confirmed Thursday that bird flu has hit a 3rd commercial poultry farm in the state. The Caroline County broiler operation tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza on February 26. It’s the 3rd highly pathogenic case at a Maryland commercial facility, adding to mounting concerns across Delmarva’s poultry industry. State officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Meanwhile, just across the border in Indiana, turkey farmer Kevin Kalb says the virus was detected just 12 to 13 miles from his operation 2 days ago, keeping producers on high alert about biosecurity measures.

Markets

March corn closed Thursday at $4.33¼, up 2¾ cents. March wheat gained 5 cents to close at $5.71¾. March soybeans slipped ½ cent to $11.47¾, while soybean meal dropped 70 cents to $317.60.

Forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies today with temperatures reaching 47° under light southeast winds. Tonight drops to 28° under partly cloudy skies. Saturday looks mostly sunny with highs near 53°. Sunday brings a slight chance of light rain with highs around 44°, then turning colder Monday with a chance of light snow and highs only reaching 33°.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 27, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

The White House is now reviewing new biofuel blending requirements after receiving the Environmental Protection Agency’s finalized regulations covering 2024 and 2025.

The EPA has completed its work on the proposed regulations that will dictate biofuel mixing standards for the current year and next year, forwarding the completed rules to White House officials for their assessment.

These federal standards determine the required amounts of renewable fuels that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline and diesel supply.

American pork producers enjoyed a particularly successful week in international markets during the period ending February 19th, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Export figures showed pork sales surpassing normal weekly volumes, with Mexico emerging as the dominant buyer by purchasing over half of all exported American pork. This substantial demand from Mexico demonstrates the ongoing strong trade relationship between the two countries in agricultural products.

The positive pork export numbers stood in contrast to other major agricultural commodities, which experienced declining sales compared to previous weeks. The USDA attributed these decreases across other farm products to various market factors affecting U.S. agricultural trade.

An expert in organic agriculture is raising concerns that the widely-used term “regenerative farming” has become so broadly interpreted that it’s losing its original significance.

Thomas Manley, who serves as climate and conservation director for the organic farming organization Marbleseed, argues that the agricultural concept is facing what he calls “an identity crisis.” According to Manley, while farmers and industry professionals once shared a common understanding of what regenerative practices meant, that clarity has disappeared over time.

“I think the word regenerative has been hijacked,” Manley stated, suggesting that the term’s widespread adoption has led to confusion rather than clarity in the farming community.

The debate over regenerative agriculture’s definition comes as more farmers and food companies embrace practices aimed at improving soil health and environmental sustainability.

The leader of a major biofuels trade organization says he remains confident that federal regulators will follow through on proposed record-setting requirements for renewable fuel blending.

Geoff Cooper, who serves as President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, expressed his positive outlook regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to unprecedented biofuel-blending mandates currently under consideration.

The biofuels sector continues to monitor developments as the EPA prepares to finalize its renewable volume obligation regulations.

Agricultural producers are being encouraged to capitalize on current favorable conditions in the soybean marketplace. Matt Bennett, who co-founded AgMarket.net and operates a farm in Illinois, emphasizes that farmers should pay attention to the recent upward movement in soybean prices.

“Three weeks ago, you would have swore that you’d sell beans at $11 or better,” Bennett noted. He stressed the importance of acting on current market conditions, stating, “Now you’ve got the opportunity, so if you don’t take that opportunity, it’s on” producers themselves to make that decision.

Bennett’s advice comes as soybean markets have shown positive momentum, creating what he sees as a window for farmers to secure better returns on their crops.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has given the green light to a $1.72 million project that will expand the pig research and education center at South Dakota State University.

The university’s swine extension specialist Bob Thaler spoke with Brownfield about the long-awaited funding decision, saying his team has been anticipating this approval for more than a year and expressed appreciation for the state’s support.

“Just like everything else good, oftentimes, it takes time,” Thaler said regarding the extended wait for the financial backing of the Swine Education and Research Facility expansion.

Another target date has passed without resolution on year-round E15 ethanol fuel availability, leaving agricultural stakeholders expressing frustration over the ongoing delays. The missed deadline represents another setback for corn producers who have been advocating for expanded access to the higher ethanol blend.

Bradley Schad, who serves as CEO of Missouri Corn, voiced his concerns about the continued postponements. “It’s definitely disappointing for our growers after working this so long and so hard,” Schad stated, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the agricultural community who have been pushing for this policy change.

The delay adds to mounting uncertainty surrounding the E15 fuel decision, which would allow gas stations to sell the 15 percent ethanol blend throughout the entire year rather than being restricted during summer months.

The American Soybean Association is intensifying its commitment to the biofuels sector as a strategy to accelerate market expansion, according to the organization’s vice president. Dave Walton, who farms in Iowa, believes this approach represents the most rapid method to increase demand while providing protection against possible trade interruptions.

“We can keep those soybeans at home, find the value add here,” Walton stated, emphasizing the potential benefits of domestic processing and value-added production rather than relying heavily on export markets.

Agricultural commodity markets wrapped up February 26, 2026 trading with a mixed performance across grain and livestock futures contracts.

In grain markets, March corn futures finished at $4.33¼ per bushel, gaining 2¾ cents from the previous session. March wheat contracts on the Chicago exchange also posted gains, closing up 5 cents at $5.71¾ per bushel.

Soybean complex showed varied results, with March soybean futures declining ½ cent to close at $11.47¾ per bushel. Soybean meal contracts dropped significantly, falling 70 cents to settle at $317.60, while soybean oil moved higher, adding 103 points to reach 61.29.

Livestock futures faced selling pressure across the board. April live cattle contracts decreased $3.37 to finish at $236.90 per hundredweight. March feeder cattle dropped $4.65 to close at $361.65, while April lean hog futures declined 47 cents, settling at $95.72 per hundredweight.

The trading session highlighted continued volatility in agricultural markets as various factors influence commodity pricing heading into spring planting season.

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DELMARVA — Maryland agriculture officials reported a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza at a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County on Thursday, marking the 3rd highly pathogenic bird flu detection at a commercial poultry operation in the state.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the case Thursday evening. State officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across Delmarva’s poultry industry.

The detection comes as Indiana turkey farms are also dealing with fresh outbreaks, with 1 producer reporting the virus just 12 miles from his operation.

Markets

Commodity markets wrapped up Thursday with mixed results. March corn futures gained 2.75 cents to close at $4.33/bu. March wheat on the Chicago exchange added 5 cents, finishing at $5.72/bu.

Soybeans slipped 0.5 cents to $11.48/bu. Soybean meal fell 70 cents to $317.60/ton, while soybean oil climbed higher.

Livestock futures took a sharp dive, with April live cattle dropping $3.37 to $236.90.

Forecast

The evening forecast calls for 45°F with a chance of light rain. Tonight drops to 27°F with areas of fog developing. Friday, fog clears for a mostly sunny afternoon with highs back to 45°F. Southeast winds 5 mph or less.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 26, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.