Category: News

As commodity prices continue to struggle, agricultural producers across Delmarva are exploring new ways to maintain profitability on their operations.

Grain sorghum has captured increased interest among local farmers in recent years, with many choosing to plant it on fields where traditional crops fail to generate adequate returns.

Although the majority of sorghum production occurs in the Great Plains states, this crop – sometimes referred to as milo – has historical roots in the Mid-Atlantic area.

Historical USDA records indicate that approximately one million acres of sorghum were cultivated along the eastern seaboard before genetically modified corn and soybeans became the dominant crops. While Delmarva states currently grow only a small portion of that historical amount, USDA data shows each state expanded sorghum acreage beyond their three-year averages last year.

Wicomico County producer Mike Harcum remembers university extension agents promoting sorghum during the late 1980s.

“They were pushing it as an alternative to corn then,” he said. “Everybody tried it.”

However, many farmers abandoned the crop due to various problems including weed management difficulties, disappointing yields, and harvesting complications. Harcum admits he typically plants sorghum reluctantly, mainly attempting to recover some value from fields destroyed by deer.

“We don’t put it on our best ground,” he said. “For me it’s a rotation thing. A lot of it’s got to do with the farm. Weather will dictate some of it.”

Industry experts report that prolonged low corn prices combined with escalating deer damage has driven farmers back to sorghum recently. Modern genetics have significantly improved compared to previous decades, enhancing both yields and crop management practices.

Tyler Franklin, who owns Elevated Ag Systems in Eastern Virginia, discusses sorghum with nearly every seed customer he visits. Franklin notes that current and projected commodity market conditions have producers considering every available option.

“If corn was $6, we wouldn’t be talking about it,” he said. “The demand is there, but that’s not the driver. The economics is pushing them along.”

Sorghum offers several advantages, including superior heat and drought resistance compared to corn, development of more extensive root systems, and the ability to reduce nematode populations that damage soybean crops. Farmers report it shows promise in double-cropping situations and typically generates substantial biomass that enhances soil organic matter. Despite improvements in genetics and management practices, its primary appeal remains its unpalatable nature to deer.

“In the last 10 years, deer have become such a problem on some places, you either plant milo or give up farming it,” Harcum said.

Steve Hurley, Harcum’s neighbor and experienced sorghum producer, cultivates between 300 and 400 acres annually. While initially adopting the crop to address deer damage, he has since invested in on-farm storage facilities and established contracts with birdseed manufacturing companies.

Hurley explains that they have conducted extensive experimentation with planting dates, seeding rates, and other management factors, as the crop’s limited regional acreage generates minimal local research compared to more common row crops.

“Every year you learn a little more,” Hurley said. “We’ve had to teach ourselves a lot over the last few years.”

Although sorghum requires less labor than corn production, Hurley emphasizes that planting it on marginal land doesn’t justify marginal management practices.

“There’s some potential,” Hurley said. “But if you treat it like a stepchild, it’ll pay you like a stepchild.”

Seed technology improvements have enhanced the situation through herbicide tolerance and hybrids specifically developed for Mid-Atlantic growing conditions.

Following a seven-year development process, Carolina Seed Systems introduced its Launch sorghum hybrid in 2019, featuring anthracnose resistance and high aphid tolerance, later releasing Launch 2.0 with genetic aphid resistance.

Company Founder and Chief Technology Officer Zach Brenton announced plans to release three additional hybrids next year with enhanced yield potential, while also developing herbicide tolerance traits.

Since 2021, Corteva, Advanta, and S&W Seed Company have introduced proprietary systems featuring herbicide-tolerant hybrids and specialized herbicide formulations enabling post-emergence grass control options.

Brenton reports that Carolina Seed System’s varieties are planted from Pennsylvania to Louisiana, with Maryland showing the fastest acreage growth. He advises farmers that sorghum deserves serious consideration in areas where corn consistently yields below 140 bushels per acre or soybeans produce less than 30 bushels per acre.

“Our biggest thing is profitability,” he said. “That’s the only way someone would change what they’re doing. They need to make more money.”

As a plant breeder, Brenton notes their sorghum focus places his company among a small national group, and an even smaller one in the Eastern United States.

“I joke that I’m one of the top 10 sorghum breeders in the country because there’s like eight of us left,” Brenton said.

Despite sorghum’s small acreage relative to corn and soybeans, Brenton claims their regionally-focused breeding program captures 60-70% of Delmarva’s sorghum acres.

“There’s no secret sauce, it’s because we breed and test here,” Brenton said. “Plant breeding is like a home field advantage. My germplasm doesn’t work in Kansas and there’s doesn’t work out here.”

With high corn input costs, planting sorghum at approximately half the expense on acres where corn performs poorly or suffers repeated deer damage has gained regional consideration.

Jarrett Hostetter, grain merchandiser at Hostetter Grain in Oxford, Pennsylvania, observed definite increased grower interest in the crop and expects this trend to continue. Two years ago, his company allocated bin space at their Cochranville facility for sorghum from Northern Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania producers, doubling capacity the following year.

“It’s more about providing a service for growers that grow the crop,” he said, noting most producers plant sorghum to address deer pressure. “The demand is definitely there. It’s been pretty consistent.”

Regional demand primarily comes from birdseed companies incorporating sorghum into their product mixes.

T.J. Collins, merchandising manager for Global Harvest Foods, which operates facilities in multiple states including Allentown, Pennsylvania, confirms significant Mid-Atlantic usage.

“It’s a very economical grain for us,” Collins said.

Collins reports that over half their national sorghum purchases supply Pennsylvania and Indiana facilities located near population centers. This proximity allows Global to offer premiums above corn prices, which sorghum typically follows.

“We can’t buy enough out in that area,” he said. “The more I can buy locally, the more I can back off on rail.”

Gary Wessner, merchandiser at Albrights Mill in Kempton, Pennsylvania, recalls that decades ago sorghum purchases were much more seasonal, but now he buys year-round.

“It’s more steady today and it does seem like it keeps growing,” he said.

However, farmers caution that advances and demand don’t make sorghum a guaranteed success. Planting on marginal ground affects yields. Weeds, aphids, and anthracnose remain potential problems. Harvest challenges, including slow dry-down and bird damage after maturity, add complications. Storage and transportation costs can reduce premiums offered by end users. Nevertheless, until deer damage is significantly controlled or corn markets return to profitable margins, sorghum remains a viable alternative.

“If we pick up the weaker acres, our overall profits increase,” Franklin said. “To me, that’s really where we need to start.”

SAN ANTONIO — A Delaware farmer from Greenwood has been posthumously honored with the most prestigious award in the soybean industry during this year’s Commodity Classic trade show in San Antonio.

The American Soybean Association presented its Pinnacle Award to the late Richard Wilkins during the 2026 ASA Awards Celebration. This top industry recognition celebrates individuals whose lifetime achievements demonstrate exceptional contribution and leadership within the soybean community.

According to ASA officials, Wilkins showed remarkable innovative leadership throughout his 53-year career that enhanced both sustainability and unity across the soybean sector.

Wilkins wore many hats as a champion for soybean producers, serving as a Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association member, ASA president, and Delaware’s former state executive director for the Farm Service Agency.

His agricultural journey started modestly in 1972 when he cultivated just three acres of soybeans on leased land. By his high school graduation in 1976, he had grown his operation to 65 acres.

These formative years shaped his lifelong commitment to diligent work, innovation, and producer-driven leadership — values that influenced his contributions throughout all levels of the soybean community.

On the state level, Wilkins served Delaware farmers as a member of the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, advocating for agricultural interests while navigating increasingly complex nutrient management requirements.

In this position, he championed research-backed, workable solutions that enabled farmers to meet environmental standards while maintaining both productivity and profitability.

ASA also credited Wilkins with a crucial role in restructuring the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association in 2002, which guaranteed Delaware soybean growers maintained influential representation in regional and national policy conversations.

When elected ASA president in 2015, Wilkins guided the organization through significant national policy challenges, particularly during discussions surrounding Vermont’s proposed GMO labeling legislation.

His presidential leadership mobilized farmers and industry partners to inform lawmakers, ultimately achieving a consistent national food labeling framework that prevented market confusion, safeguarded consumers, and maintained industry stability.

“Richard will be remembered for his role in ensuring fair and equitable representation for smaller soybean-producing states within the American Soybean Association,” ASA said in a statement. “Richard’s enduring impact will be measured not only by the policies he helped shape and the markets he expanded, but also by the leaders he mentored.”

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Martin Proulx took on a brand new position at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in 2023, tackling a challenge many farmers across the region know well: while agricultural producers are being pushed to expand their operations, the regulations surrounding those expansions haven’t evolved to match.

Farm operations that go beyond traditional growing — such as processing products on-site, welcoming visitors for agritourism activities, or serving prepared food — require farmers to navigate a maze of different government agencies. These ventures bring health departments, zoning boards, environmental agencies, and building code officials into the picture, often creating more confusion than clarity for farm owners.

Proulx joined the department from local economic development work as Maryland’s inaugural value-added agricultural specialist, tasked with helping farmers work through these regulatory challenges. This past January, his responsibilities grew when he became chief of marketing and agricultural development, incorporating value-added farming support into broader business development and promotional efforts.

The core issues he addresses haven’t changed much with his expanded role.

“When you talk about value-added agriculture being the processing of raw agricultural product, the serving overall of cooked foods, whether it be agritourism, food service, sampling at farmer’s markets, you realize that there are a number of other regulatory agencies that enter into the equation,” Proulx said.

Traditional farming typically operates under one set of rules, but diversified farm businesses find themselves caught between multiple regulatory systems that weren’t created with these hybrid operations in mind.

During his initial two years, Proulx traveled throughout Maryland, visiting each county to meet with zoning administrators, environmental health workers, building code inspectors, and economic development representatives. Instead of addressing specific farm conflicts, his mission was to learn how different localities interpret and apply regulations.

“It was really important to flip the script, if you will,” he said.

While Maryland operates under one state agriculture department, it contains 24 separate local governments — including Baltimore City — each maintaining distinct zoning laws and land-use definitions. Agricultural activities might be classified differently for environmental compliance, tax purposes, and zoning requirements. These varying definitions typically don’t create problems until farms attempt to diversify their operations.

“As value-added agriculture continues to expand in popularity and be an economically viable option for many of these diversifying farms, or maybe even new beginning farms, you realize that agriculture and commercial are two terms that become water and oil when you’re talking about land use and zoning,” Proulx said.

This conflict becomes most apparent in the licensing process. State permits for processing or food service are typically written in broad terms, applying the same standards to a farm using an existing outbuilding and a manufacturer in an industrial complex. Local authorities, however, might handle these identical activities very differently based on how “commercial” operations are defined within agricultural districts.

According to Proulx, this creates a regulatory framework that doesn’t always work well for farming operations. Infrastructure demands add another complication.

Requirements for permanent bathroom facilities, septic installations, and waste management systems might be reasonable for year-round commercial businesses, but they can be financially overwhelming for farms testing seasonal or limited-scale projects.

“Very frequently, the infrastructure investment for permanent restrooms or permanent waste disposal, septic systems, can often come with a very, very hefty price tag that small and diversifying farm operations may not be able to necessarily take on right away,” Proulx said.

These discoveries formed the basis for a comprehensive statewide guidance and analysis document about value-added agriculture and agritourism that the department released in October. Instead of recommending major regulatory overhauls, the document outlined the current system, identified common obstacles, and pinpointed opportunities where increased flexibility or clearer guidelines could help farms succeed.

Proulx reports that some improvements have emerged since the document’s publication. The department has internally reorganized to officially connect value-added agriculture with marketing and business development functions. Additionally, proposed regulatory modifications and legislative measures designed to create more adaptable, seasonal alternatives for on-farm food service are being reviewed.

For Proulx, this effort ultimately centers on keeping farms economically sustainable in a state experiencing development pressures and agricultural land loss.

“With all of the challenges facing Maryland’s agriculture, whether that be development pressure (or) loss of farmland, it’s really, really encouraging to see the passion and the patience within the industry in diversifying and finding these new opportunities for future generations,” he said.

(Editor’s note: John Hall is a professional commodities analyst.)

Agricultural economists presenting at the Ag Forum Outlook conference on Feb. 19-20 announced their findings: “The U.S. corn outlook for 2026-27 is for reduced production, domestic use, exports and ending stocks.”

Forecasters anticipate the corn harvest will reach 15.8 billion bushels, representing approximately a 7 percent decrease compared to the previous year’s production.

Farmers are expected to plant corn on 94.0 million acres, a reduction of 4.8 million acres from last year’s totals. Yield estimates of 183.0 bushels per acre are based on assumptions of typical planting schedules and average summer weather conditions.

Despite higher beginning inventory levels from the previous season, total corn supplies are predicted to reach 17.9 billion bushels, down from the record 18.6 billion bushels recorded in 2025-26.

The situation involves multiple declining factors: fewer planted acres, reduced production, and decreased usage, combined with substantial carryover inventory from the prior year.

Overall U.S. corn consumption for 2026-27 is expected to drop roughly 2 percent due to lower domestic demand and reduced export volumes.

Food, seed, and industrial consumption remains steady at 7 billion bushels. Ethanol production is projected to utilize 5.6 billion bushels, reflecting expectations of stable gasoline consumption and export levels.

Feed and residual usage is anticipated to decline about 3 percent to 6 billion bushels based on reduced supply availability.

Export volumes are forecast to decrease by 200 million bushels to 3.1 billion.

America’s share of global corn trade is expected to shrink slightly as South American competitors increase their exports and worldwide demand growth remains modest.

The global corn landscape has undergone dramatic transformation!

Here’s the broader context. In my Feb. 17 analysis, I examined worldwide corn production patterns. The data revealed a clear trend using 2017-18 as the baseline year.

Evidence clearly demonstrates that global corn expansion began accelerating in 2021-22.

International corn production has expanded 15 percent since 2017-18, fundamentally altering the marketplace.

Where has this growth originated?

Analysis of the three largest global corn producers reveals significant insights, using 2016-17 as the comparison baseline.

Data clearly indicates substantial production increases in Brazil and China beginning in 2021-22. Research published last summer by Dr. Joana Colussi from Purdue University’s Center of Commercial Agriculture examined Brazil’s agricultural expansion.

While the study mentioned China’s growth, the scale became apparent later: China added approximately 4.6 million acres of farmland between 2020 and late 2024 through land reclamation projects and high-quality farmland development.

China’s total cultivated area reached nearly 319.57 million acres in 2024.

What drives this expansion? China’s enormous appetite for pork provides the answer.

Reports from April 2025 showed China maintaining 427 million head of pigs, compared to the European Union’s 132 million head and the United States’ 76 million head during the same period.

This massive livestock population explains their substantial corn requirements for feed production, as well as their soybean needs for protein supplementation in pig feed.

As noted in my Feb. 17 analysis, China’s grain reserves represent almost two-thirds of global ending stocks.

Their food security approach has transformed from rigid government-controlled self-sufficiency (1949-1970s) to market-based strategies emphasizing “absolute security of staple foods.”

Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, the strategy emphasizes 95 percent grain self-sufficiency, stringent farmland preservation, and agricultural technology advancement, shifting focus from quantity alone to quality and diversification.

Beginning in 2004, policy evolved to prioritize “guaranteed supply” through international commerce while maintaining tight oversight of domestic wheat and rice production.

Consequently, the government maintains a year’s worth of grain reserves, distributing supplies to farmers gradually.

This system also enables government control over farmer pricing.

Given China’s position as the world’s largest grain purchaser, we must analyze President Xi Jinping’s statement about “95 percent grain self-sufficiency, strict farmland protection, and agricultural technology, transitioning from mere quantity to quality and diversification.”

This suggests they have made substantial investments in domestic agricultural expansion and intend to reduce import dependency.

Taking this analysis further, this likely explains their significant investments in Brazilian agriculture to achieve this “self-sufficiency.”

What triggered this strategic shift? Many attribute it to Trump’s trade tariffs. However, examining the timeline reveals Trump’s first presidency spanned 2017-20.

What other major event occurred? COVID-19 was initially identified in China during December 2019, rapidly spreading globally thereafter.

COVID-19 severely damaged global food security by disrupting supply networks, forcing factory shutdowns, and limiting transportation, resulting in widespread hunger and revealing vulnerabilities in food production and distribution systems.

Lockdown measures and economic disruptions amplified these problems, exposing more populations to food insecurity.

The chronology suggests COVID-19 served as the primary catalyst for President Xi Jinping’s strategic thinking shift. If accurate, this altered perspective has transformed the global commodity grain marketplace. This deserves serious consideration!

Returning to U.S. corn utilization completes this analysis. Recent data shows usage patterns for the past two years and projections for the upcoming season.

The information indicates usage has remained relatively stable. As noted, U.S. corn projections for 2026-27 anticipate reduced production, domestic consumption, exports, and ending inventory, which current data confirms.

In conclusion, effective marketing requires understanding both customers and competitors. I detected market changes this past year due to unusually flat price patterns.

This research helps explain the underlying causes. Assuming this data proves accurate, don’t anticipate significant price improvements without major drought conditions.

Additionally, the market appears unable to absorb increased production.

It seems reducing planted acres might support pricing? Is this feasible for producers?

(Note: I research material from Allendale, DTN, USDA, University Land Grants and other credible sources in compiling this article. It is not merely my opinion, but rather a consensus of experts in the trade. Looking for a marketing coach or someone to discuss strategies with? Contact me at [email protected], or call 410-708-8781.)

Delaware farmers are running out of time to secure crop insurance protection for the 2026 growing season, with the sales deadline fast approaching on March 15th.

According to Shelby Twenter, who serves as Vice President of Crop and Livestock Insurance at FCS Financial, agricultural producers need to take immediate action to ensure they have adequate coverage in place. Twenter recently outlined several critical updates that farmers should be aware of for the upcoming policy year.

Key steps that Delaware growers must complete before the deadline include refreshing their business entity details with insurance providers and providing their 2025 harvest yields to ensure premium calculations reflect accurate production history. This yield information is essential for obtaining precise coverage quotes and determining appropriate protection levels.

Farmers are also encouraged to carefully evaluate their coverage alternatives to select policies that best match their operation’s specific needs and risk tolerance. Insurance experts recommend consulting with local agricultural insurance representatives to navigate the various options available and ensure compliance with all requirements before the March 15th cutoff date.

Delaware’s trout farming sector faced economic headwinds as sales revenues fell by 6 percent when compared to the previous year, according to newly released federal agriculture statistics.

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows the downturn in trout production value, while also documenting distribution networks and industry losses across the sector.

The report provides insight into the challenges facing aquaculture operations in the region, as trout farmers navigate market conditions that have impacted their bottom line.

The federal statistics track various aspects of the trout industry, including how fish are distributed to markets and the extent of losses experienced by producers during the reporting period.

Delaware’s agricultural sector is feeling the impact of declining egg production, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The latest report shows that shell egg production has fallen by 8 percent compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. This decrease represents a significant shift in one of the region’s important agricultural commodities.

The decline in egg production could have implications for both local farmers and consumers throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, where poultry operations represent a major component of the agricultural economy.

The USDA’s findings highlight ongoing challenges facing the egg industry as producers navigate market conditions and operational demands.

Delaware’s agricultural community is facing economic headwinds as commodity prices dropped significantly last month, according to new federal data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Prices Received Index for agricultural products declined by 3.9 percent during January, marking a notable decrease that impacts farming operations throughout the Delmarva Peninsula region.

This price drop affects the income that local farmers receive for their crops and livestock, potentially influencing planting decisions and farm budgets for the coming growing season.

The index, which tracks what farmers earn for their agricultural products, serves as a key indicator of the financial health of the farming sector across Delaware and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

Local agricultural producers may need to adjust their operations and marketing strategies in response to these changing market conditions as they prepare for spring planting season.

Delaware farmers and agricultural producers throughout the region saw their peanut earnings decline during the week that concluded on February 21st, according to new agricultural data.

Payment rates for farmer stock peanuts dropped to an average of 15.6 cents per pound, representing a decrease of 4.3 cents from earlier pricing levels. The weekly pricing report tracks compensation received by agricultural producers for their peanut harvests across all categories of farmer stock varieties.

This pricing decline affects local farming operations throughout Delaware and the broader Mid-Atlantic agricultural region, where peanut cultivation represents an important component of the diverse crop portfolio for many producers.

As commodity prices remain stubbornly low, Delaware and regional farmers are expanding their search for profitable alternatives, with many taking a fresh look at grain sorghum.

The crop, also known as milo, has attracted renewed interest from local growers who are planting it on fields where traditional crops like corn and soybeans offer little financial return.

Though the majority of American sorghum acreage lies in the Great Plains, this grain is far from new to the Mid-Atlantic area. Historical USDA records indicate that before genetically modified corn and soybeans took over the agricultural landscape, approximately one million acres of sorghum were cultivated along the east coast. While Delmarva states now grow only a small portion of that amount, each state expanded its sorghum acreage last year beyond the three-year average, federal data shows.

Wicomico County farmer Mike Harcum remembers university researchers promoting sorghum back in the late 1980s.

“They were pushing it as an alternative to corn then,” he said. “Everybody tried it.”

However, many producers were dissatisfied with the crop at that time due to various problems including weed control difficulties, disappointing yields, and harvesting complications. Harcum admits that most seasons, he plants sorghum reluctantly as a last-ditch effort to recover something from fields destroyed by deer.

“We don’t put it on our best ground,” he said. “For me it’s a rotation thing. A lot of it’s got to do with the farm. Weather will dictate some of it.”

But persistent low corn prices and escalating deer pressure have driven farmers back to sorghum in recent years, according to agricultural industry professionals. Genetic improvements over the past decades have enhanced both yields and crop management practices.

Tyler Franklin, who owns Elevated Ag Systems in Eastern Virginia, says sorghum comes up in conversations with nearly every seed customer he visits. Franklin explains that current and projected commodity market conditions have growers considering every available option.

“If corn was $6, we wouldn’t be talking about it,” he said. “The demand is there, but that’s not the driver. The economics is pushing them along.”

Sorghum offers several advantages, including superior heat and drought resistance compared to corn, development of larger root systems, and the ability to interrupt nematode cycles that harm soybean fields. Farmers report it shows promise in double-cropping situations and typically generates substantial biomass that adds to soil organic matter. Despite genetic and agronomic improvements, its greatest appeal remains its unpalatable nature to deer.

“In the last 10 years, deer have become such a problem on some places, you either plant milo or give up farming it,” Harcum said.

Steve Hurley, Harcum’s neighbor and a veteran sorghum producer who plants between 300 and 400 acres each year, initially chose the crop to combat deer damage. He has since invested in on-farm storage facilities for sorghum and established contracts with birdseed manufacturers.

Through years of experience, Hurley says they have conducted extensive experiments with planting timing, seeding rates, and other factors, as the crop’s relatively small local acreage generates limited research compared to more common row crops.

“Every year you learn a little more,” Hurley said. “We’ve had to teach ourselves a lot over the last few years.”

While sorghum requires less labor overall than corn production, Hurley emphasizes that placing it on marginal land doesn’t justify marginal management practices.

“There’s some potential,” Hurley said. “But if you treat it like a stepchild, it’ll pay you like a stepchild.”

Seed technology improvements have enhanced the situation through herbicide tolerance and varieties better adapted to Mid-Atlantic growing conditions.

Following a seven-year development process, Carolina Seed Systems introduced its Launch sorghum variety in 2019 with anthracnose resistance and strong aphid tolerance, later releasing Launch 2.0 with genetic aphid resistance.

Company founder and Chief Technology Officer Zach Brenton reports plans to launch three additional varieties next year featuring improved yield potential, while also developing herbicide tolerance traits.

Since 2021, Corteva, Advanta, and S&W Seed Company have introduced proprietary systems combining herbicide-tolerant varieties with specialized herbicide formulations that enable post-emergence grass control.

Brenton says Carolina Seed System varieties are planted from Pennsylvania to Louisiana, with Maryland showing the fastest acreage growth. He advises farmers that areas where corn consistently produces under 140 bushels per acre or soybeans yield below 30 bushels per acre should seriously consider sorghum.

“Our biggest thing is profitability,” he said. “That’s the only way someone would change what they’re doing. They need to make more money.”

As a plant breeder, Brenton notes that their sorghum focus places his company among a small national group, and an even more exclusive one in the Eastern United States.

“I joke that I’m one of the top 10 sorghum breeders in the country because there’s like eight of us left,” Brenton said.

Despite sorghum’s small acreage relative to corn and soybeans, their regionally-focused breeding program captures between 60-70% of Delmarva’s sorghum acres, according to Brenton.

“There’s no secret sauce, it’s because we breed and test here,” Brenton said. “Plant breeding is like a home field advantage. My germplasm doesn’t work in Kansas and there’s doesn’t work out here.”

With high corn input costs, planting sorghum at roughly half the expense on acres where corn performs poorly or suffers repeated deer destruction has gained increased regional consideration.

Jarrett Hostetter, a grain merchandiser with Hostetter Grain in Oxford, Pennsylvania, observed a definite surge of grower interest.

“There was definitely a groundswell of growers that were interested in it,” said Hostetter. “I expect that to continue.”

Two years ago, Hostetter’s company allocated bin space at their Cochranville facility to accept sorghum from growers in Northern Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania, doubling that capacity the following year.

“It’s more about providing a service for growers that grow the crop,” he said, noting most planted sorghum to address deer pressure. “The demand is definitely there. It’s been pretty consistent.”

Regional demand primarily comes from birdseed companies incorporating sorghum into their products.

T.J. Collins, merchandising manager for Global Harvest Foods, which operates facilities in multiple states including Allentown, Pennsylvania, confirms substantial Mid-Atlantic usage.

“We use a very significant amount in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Collins. “It’s a very economical grain for us.”

Collins explains that over half their national sorghum purchases supply their Pennsylvania and Indiana facilities located near population centers. This proximity allows Global to offer premiums above corn prices, which sorghum typically follows.

“We can’t buy enough out in that area,” he said “The more I can buy locally, the more I can back off on rail.”

Gary Wessner, merchandiser at Albrights Mill in Kempton, Pennsylvania, recalls that decades ago sorghum purchases were much more seasonal, but now he buys year-round.

“It’s more steady today and it does seem like it keeps growing,” he said.

However, farmers caution that advances and demand don’t make sorghum a guaranteed success. Planting on marginal ground affects yields. Weeds, aphids, and anthracnose remain problematic. Harvest complications, from drying issues to bird damage after maturity, create additional challenges. Storage and transportation costs can erode premiums offered by end users. Still, until deer damage is significantly reduced or corn markets return to profitability, sorghum remains a viable alternative.

“If we pick up the weaker acres, our overall profits increase,” Franklin said. “To me, that’s really where we need to start.”

Delaware farmers may soon see relief from mountains of federal paperwork thanks to a new initiative announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins revealed the One Farmer, One File program during this week’s 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

The new initiative is designed to make government operations more efficient and reduce the administrative burden on agricultural producers. “I have no idea how these farmers have been dealing with this all these years,” Rollins stated when discussing the current system.

According to the Secretary, the program will modernize digital processes to create a more streamlined experience for farmers who regularly interact with USDA programs and services.

Wildlife officials in Maryland have announced a seven-day extension to this year’s muskrat trapping season after harsh winter weather disrupted normal trapping activities across much of the state.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources made the decision to extend the season until March 22 in most counties, excluding Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties. Officials cited severe weather conditions during January and February, particularly widespread ice coverage, that prevented trappers from conducting normal operations and caused financial hardships.

Maryland law provides wildlife officials with the power to extend muskrat trapping seasons by as many as seven days when severe weather significantly disrupts trapping activities and creates economic hardships for trappers. The extension was not applied statewide because some counties had earlier season start dates. Officials noted that no other hunting or trapping seasons received extensions.

Wildlife officials are reminding those interested in trapping that they must obtain a Furbearer Permit before pursuing, hunting, trapping or chasing furbearers. Anyone who did not hold a permit or trapper education certificate prior to August 1, 2007, must also fulfill mandatory trapper education training. Complete details about hunting and trapping regulations can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

HARRINGTON, Del. — Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride organized her first-ever Agriculture Summit on February 19, gathering 75 of the state’s farming community members, industry experts, researchers, policymakers and community partners in Harrington for discussions about Farm Bill renewal, agricultural economics and supporting Delaware’s next generation of farmers.

Delaware Agriculture Secretary Donald Clifton delivered opening remarks, painting a concerning picture of the industry’s current state: “The state of agriculture nationally is tenuous. Bankruptcies are up 45 percent. Chronic overproduction is a problem. The cost-price squeeze and effect of tariffs has disrupted the grain market. USDA has a $12 billion assistance package for farmers to mitigate that disruption, but it’s always too little too late. Farmers must adjust or go out of business.”

Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner referenced the December announcement of bridge funding designed to assist farmers until benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act become available, expressing frustration about implementation delays.

“There’s still no plan on how to implement or distribute the money. If you’ve got $12 billion sitting out there, you ought to have a plan,” he said.

USDA Farm Service Agency representative Maryann Reed assured attendees that bridge program details are “coming fast and furious,” adding, “We anticipate money will be in farmers’ accounts in less than One month.”

Secretary Clifton warned about discussions of a “Farm Bill lite” instead of comprehensive legislation. “Renewal of the 2018 Farm Bill is three years late,” Clifton said. “It requires a bipartisan approach. If it becomes partisan, nothing gets done,” he warned.

McBride expressed cautious optimism about bipartisan Farm Bill progress and asked participants directly: “As we work on reauthorizing a Farm Bill, what should I be fighting for, and what makes the biggest difference to Delaware?”

Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers explained the bill’s structure: “The Farm Bill is 80-percent nutrition; 20-percent major crops. Of the 80 percent, 19 percent goes to farmers. If you cut that, you cut specialty crops and protein.”

Powers drew historical parallels, stating, “Things are as bad now as 100 years ago when high tariffs pushed us into depression.”

When McBride inquired about E15 ethanol provisions, Powers responded affirmatively: “Yes, we need your help. E15 eats up a lot of corn. There’s a worldwide glut of corn and wheat. Soon we’ll be trading soy meal, not beans, and we’ll have to use them domestically.”

Staffing shortages emerged as another critical issue. Former Delaware Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee highlighted inspection delays at the Port of Wilmington and within the poultry sector.

“Product can’t move until it is inspected,” he said.

New Castle County Conservation District Coordinator Kevin Donnelly described personnel turnover challenges that hinder relationship-building with farmers. He noted the age gap between typically older farmers and younger staff members, along with widespread competition for qualified employees.

Rising input costs dominated much of the discussion. When McBride asked about primary financial challenges, Minner explained the cost squeeze facing producers.

“When we have a good year, input prices go up. When income falls, prices stay up. Input costs are the single largest factor that we have no control over, especially smaller operators. It’s a matter of scale and leverage. Prices need to fluctuate with the markets.”

Sheep farmer Steve Breeding suggested regulatory changes to reduce costs, while FSA’s Reed identified fertilizer, seed and insurance as immediate profitability threats.

Multigenerational farmer Dave Marvel highlighted farmers’ lack of price control: “Suppliers set prices on inputs; buyers set prices on grains — not farmers in either case. We need to address that.”

Powers shared a revealing exchange from a fertilizer industry meeting where he asked when prices would decrease, receiving the response: “When you can’t pay for it.”

Secretary Clifton addressed market concentration concerns: “Fertilizer is a $64 billion market in the United States, and there are five major players. It’s easier to collude with five than 20.” He noted reduced antitrust enforcement efforts.

McBride characterized the situation bluntly: “My colleagues are frustrated the Farm Bill does not address monopolies. The reality is, monopolization means that they can essentially extort small farmers.”

Insurance challenges particularly affect poultry operations. Delmarva Chicken Association Agricultural Conservation Specialist Liz Warren explained coverage difficulties for older facilities.

“Some companies are no longer covering houses more than 20 years old, and if you can find one that will, the cost is through the roof. Here on Delmarva, about half of our farms have houses over 21 years old. We know all input costs have gone up, but then to have that insurance piece go up or the threat of not being able to continue production without insurance is really hitting our heart.”

Horizon Farm Credit Agricultural Relationship Manager Ben Somers raised avian influenza concerns, noting that neighboring farms suffer economically without receiving disaster assistance when nearby operations are affected.

“Having resources for all those affected is important,” he explained.

Labor issues featured prominently, with particular focus on H2A and H2B worker programs. Breeding estimated significant illegal participation rates and enforcement concerns.

Fourth-generation farmer Jay Baxter described paying employees more than his own income “because they are worth it. They are supporting families.”

Marvel reflected on changing workforce dynamics: “Farming is a tough job. You’ve got to love it to do it. Many family members work off the farm to support the farm. Most people don’t have an appetite for this hard work. Ag-related jobs pay more than actual farming. We’re telling our kids to look elsewhere.”

Minner advocated for expanded vocational training: “There needs to be a federal push on trades. Years ago, a lot of kids could take a tractor apart and put it back together at age 12. That’s gone now, unless they’ve learned at home.”

Smyrna farmer Andrea Haritos, who operates 70 acres, described barriers facing new farmers: “The barrier to entry has never been higher. You can spend a million dollars on a farm and earn the equivalent of a part-time income.” She emphasized the need for consumer behavior changes to support smaller operations.

Kee mentioned a young farmer lending program offering $500,000 at zero percent interest for 30 years, which has assisted 25 to 30 farmers since 2012. Clifton noted the program’s connection to farmland preservation efforts and suggested potential expansion.

Mental health concerns were raised by Breeding, who urged McBride: “Without the farmer, there is no farm. A healthy farmer means a better farm and that brings more profit.”

Technology discussions revealed mixed perspectives. Marvel questioned whether all technological advances increase per-acre productivity, while Baxter expressed concerns about data ownership and cloud storage requirements.

Carvel Research and Education Center Director James Adkins in Georgetown identified information processing challenges: “We’ve made unprecedented gains in information, but there’s a bottleneck in how to turn that information into a decision that turns a profit. The problem is that information gets out before it’s been peer-reviewed.”

He cited drones and biologicals as examples of technologies outpacing proper evaluation and regulation.

Baxter concluded with an inflation perspective, sharing a personal example: “Inflation. It is destroying all industries large and small and crippling agriculture.” He described recently selling corn at $5.05 per bushel while paying $23 for a Dairy Queen meal that cost $7.50 twenty years ago when corn also sold for $5.

University of Delaware Extension Specialist Mark VanGessel emphasized agriculture’s national security importance: “It’s a matter of national security, and we totally take it for granted,” referring to USDA goals of maintaining an efficient, safe and affordable food supply.

HARRINGTON, Del. — Congresswoman Sarah McBride brought together Delaware’s agricultural community for the state’s first Agriculture Summit on February 19, assembling 75 farmers, industry experts, researchers, and policymakers to tackle pressing issues facing local agriculture.

The roundtable discussion at Harrington focused on Farm Bill reauthorization, economic pressures, and supporting Delaware’s next generation of farmers.

Delaware Agriculture Secretary Donald Clifton delivered a sobering assessment during his opening remarks: “The state of agriculture nationally is tenuous. Bankruptcies are up 45 percent. Chronic overproduction is a problem. The cost-price squeeze and effect of tariffs has disrupted the grain market. USDA has a $12 billion assistance package for farmers to mitigate that disruption, but it’s always too little too late. Farmers must adjust or go out of business.”

The federal assistance package, announced in December as temporary relief until the One Big Beautiful Bill Act benefits become available, still lacks a clear distribution plan, according to Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner.

“There’s still no plan on how to implement or distribute the money. If you’ve got $12 billion sitting out there, you ought to have a plan,” Minner stated.

USDA Farm Service Agency representative Maryann Reed assured attendees that bridge program details are “coming fast and furious” and “We anticipate money will be in farmers’ accounts in less than one month.”

Secretary Clifton expressed concern about reports of a scaled-back “Farm Bill lite” instead of comprehensive legislation. “Renewal of the 2018 Farm Bill is three years late,” Clifton noted. “It requires a bipartisan approach. If it becomes partisan, nothing gets done.”

McBride echoed the urgency for a complete Farm Bill while expressing cautious optimism about bipartisan progress. She asked participants directly: “As we work on reauthorizing a Farm Bill, what should I be fighting for, and what makes the biggest difference to Delaware?”

Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers explained the bill’s structure: “The Farm Bill is 80-percent nutrition; 20-percent major crops. Of the 80 percent, 19 percent goes to farmers. If you cut that, you cut specialty crops and protein.”

Powers drew historical comparisons, saying “Things are as bad now as 100 years ago when high tariffs pushed us into depression.”

When McBride inquired about E15 ethanol support, Powers responded affirmatively: “Yes, we need your help. E15 eats up a lot of corn. There’s a worldwide glut of corn and wheat. Soon we’ll be trading soy meal, not beans, and we’ll have to use them domestically.”

Staffing shortages emerged as another critical issue. Former Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee highlighted the Port of Wilmington’s need for APHIS personnel and poultry industry inspectors. “Product can’t move until it is inspected,” he explained.

Kevin Donnelly from the New Castle County Conservation District described how personnel turnover hampers farmer relationships. “The turnover reduces the opportunity to establish relationships — long-term trust — with farmers we’re trying to work with,” noting that farmers are typically 40 years older than new hires and appropriately skeptical of newcomers promoting conservation practices.

Rising input costs dominated much of the discussion. When McBride asked about the primary drivers of financial challenges, Minner responded: “When we have a good year, input prices go up. When income falls, prices stay up. Input costs are the single largest factor that we have no control over, especially smaller operators. It’s a matter of scale and leverage. Prices need to fluctuate with the markets.”

Sheep farmer Steve Breeding suggested leveling international competition by allowing U.S. farmers access to less expensive medications available in other countries.

Grain, fruit and vegetable farmer Dave Marvel pointed out farmers’ lack of pricing power: “Suppliers set prices on inputs; buyers set prices on grains — not farmers in either case. We need to address that.”

Powers shared a telling exchange from a fertilizer industry meeting where he asked when prices would decrease. The response: “When you can’t pay for it.”

Secretary Clifton addressed market concentration concerns: “Fertilizer is a $64 billion market in the United States, and there are five major players. It’s easier to collude with five than 20.” He noted a significant decline in antitrust enforcement.

McBride characterized the situation bluntly: “My colleagues are frustrated the Farm Bill does not address monopolies. The reality is, monopolization means that they can essentially extort small farmers.”

Insurance challenges particularly affect poultry operations. Delmarva Chicken Association’s Liz Warren explained: “Some companies are no longer covering houses more than 20 years old, and if you can find one that will, the cost is through the roof. Here on Delmarva, about half of our farms have houses over 21 years old. We know all input costs have gone up, but then to have that insurance piece go up or the threat of not being able to continue production without insurance is really hitting our heart.”

Avian influenza creates additional complications. Horizon Farm Credit’s Ben Somers noted an ironic situation: “It may be better to have avian influenza in your own flock than to be a neighbor to an affected farm.” While infected farms receive disaster assistance, neighboring farms face production disruptions without compensation.

Labor issues, particularly with H2A and H2B visa programs, need stabilization according to farmers. Breeding estimated 49 percent of H2A workers lack proper documentation. “It’s easy for ICE to come on a dairy farm and take all your help. We’re not putting out enough (money) to get people here.”

Fourth-generation farmer Jay Baxter revealed his employees earn more than he does “because they are worth it. They are supporting families.”

Marvel highlighted agriculture’s challenging economics: “Farming is a tough job. You’ve got to love it to do it. Many family members work off the farm to support the farm. Most people don’t have an appetite for this hard work. Ag-related jobs pay more than actual farming. We’re telling our kids to look elsewhere.”

Minner called for expanded vocational training: “There needs to be implementation of vocational technical programs to train technicians. There needs to be a federal push on trades. Years ago, a lot of kids could take a tractor apart and put it back together at age 12. That’s gone now, unless they’ve learned at home.”

New farmer Andrea Haritos, who operates 70 acres near Smyrna, described barriers facing young agriculturalists: “The barrier to entry has never been higher. You can spend a million dollars on a farm and earn the equivalent of a part-time income.” She emphasized that consumer behavior changes are necessary to support smaller operations.

Ed Kee mentioned a young farmers program offering $500,000 at zero percent interest for 30 years, which has helped 25-30 young farmers since 2012. Secretary Clifton clarified the program connects to farmland preservation efforts and suggested significant expansion possibilities.

Mental health concerns were raised by Breeding, who urged McBride to prioritize farmer wellbeing: “Without the farmer, there is no farm. A healthy farmer means a better farm and that brings more profit.”

Technology discussions revealed mixed benefits. Marvel observed that while technology offers convenience, some innovations don’t increase per-acre production, and costs vary significantly by operation size.

Baxter expressed frustration about data ownership: “You think you’re purchasing technology, but you don’t own it,” referring to requirements to share information in “the cloud” for others’ use.

James Adkins from the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown identified information processing challenges: “We’ve made unprecedented gains in information, but there’s a bottleneck in how to turn that information into a decision that turns a profit. The problem is that information gets out before it’s been peer-reviewed.” He cited drones collecting extensive data before practical applications were developed and unregulated biological products with unfounded claims.

Baxter concluded with inflation concerns, calling it “the biggest challenge of the ag community” that is “destroying all industries large and small and crippling agriculture.” He illustrated the point with a personal example: selling corn at $5.05 per bushel while paying $23 for a Dairy Queen meal that cost $7.50 twenty years ago when corn prices were also $5.

University of Delaware Extension Specialist Mark VanGessel emphasized agriculture’s broader significance: “The goals of USDA are a food supply that is efficient, safe and cheap. It’s a matter of national security, and we totally take it for granted.”

SAN ANTONIO — A Delaware farmer who dedicated more than five decades to advancing the soybean industry has received the American Soybean Association’s most prestigious recognition.

Richard Wilkins of Greenwood was posthumously awarded the 2026 ASA Pinnacle Award during this year’s Commodity Classic trade show ceremony. The honor represents the organization’s highest tribute for lifetime achievements that demonstrate exceptional leadership and contributions to the soybean community.

Throughout his 53-year career, the American Soybean Association noted that Wilkins displayed groundbreaking leadership that enhanced both the sustainability and cohesion of the soybean sector.

Wilkins wore multiple hats as an advocate for soybean producers, serving as a Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association member, former ASA president, and former Delaware state executive director for the Farm Service Agency.

His agricultural journey started modestly in 1972 when he cultivated just three acres of soybeans on leased land. By his high school graduation in 1976, he had grown his operation to 65 acres.

These formative years shaped his lifelong commitment to diligent work, creative thinking, and producer-driven leadership — values that influenced his contributions throughout all levels of the soybean community.

On the state front, Richard participated in Delaware’s Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, advocating for farmers as they navigated increasingly complex nutrient management requirements.

In this position, he championed evidence-based, realistic approaches that enabled producers to meet environmental standards while maintaining both productivity and profitability.

According to the ASA, he was instrumental in the 2002 restructuring of the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association, guaranteeing that Delaware’s soybean growers maintained significant influence in regional and national policy conversations.

When Wilkins became ASA president in 2015, he guided the organization through significant national policy challenges, particularly during discussions surrounding Vermont’s proposed GMO labeling legislation.

During his tenure, the ASA rallied farmers and industry partners to inform lawmakers, ultimately achieving a consistent national food labeling framework that prevented consumer confusion, safeguarded the public, and maintained market stability.

“Richard will be remembered for his role in ensuring fair and equitable representation for smaller soybean-producing states within the American Soybean Association,” the ASA stated. “Richard’s enduring impact will be measured not only by the policies he helped shape and the markets he expanded, but also by the leaders he mentored.”

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Martin Proulx took on a newly created position at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in 2023, tasked with solving a complex problem: while state officials encouraged farmers to diversify their operations, the regulatory framework hadn’t evolved to support these changes.

Farms venturing into value-added activities — such as processing their own products, welcoming visitors for agritourism, or providing food services — face scrutiny from multiple agencies including health departments, zoning boards, environmental regulators, and building code officials. This multi-layered oversight often creates bewilderment rather than outright opposition among farmers.

Initially brought on board as Maryland’s inaugural value-added agricultural specialist, Proulx transitioned from local economic development work to help farmers navigate these regulatory challenges. His position evolved this past January when he became chief of marketing and agricultural development, incorporating value-added agriculture support into broader business development and promotional initiatives.

Much of his core mission continues unchanged.

“When you talk about value-added agriculture being the processing of raw agricultural product, the serving overall of cooked foods, whether it be agritourism, food service, sampling at farmer’s markets, you realize that there are a number of other regulatory agencies that enter into the equation,” Proulx said.

Traditional farming operations typically operate within one regulatory system, but value-added enterprises exist where multiple regulatory frameworks intersect — systems never designed to accommodate these hybrid agricultural businesses.

During his initial two years, Proulx crisscrossed Maryland to meet with local officials in each county, including zoning administrators, environmental health personnel, building inspectors, and economic development representatives. Instead of addressing individual farm conflicts, his mission focused on understanding how local jurisdictions interpret and apply regulations.

“It was really important to flip the script, if you will,” he said.

While Maryland operates under one agricultural department, the state contains 24 separate local jurisdictions — including Baltimore City — each maintaining distinct zoning codes and land-use definitions. Agricultural activities may receive different classifications for environmental compliance, tax purposes, and zoning regulations. These variations typically remain invisible until farms attempt expansion.

“As value-added agriculture continues to expand in popularity and be an economically viable option for many of these diversifying farms, or maybe even new beginning farms, you realize that agriculture and commercial are two terms that become water and oil when you’re talking about land use and zoning,” Proulx said.

Licensing requirements reveal this conflict most clearly. State permits for processing or food service apply the same standards to farms operating from outbuildings as they do to manufacturers in industrial complexes. Local governments may treat identical activities differently based on how they define “commercial” use within agricultural zones.

According to Proulx, this creates a regulatory system that doesn’t accommodate farm-scale operations. Infrastructure demands add another complication.

Requirements for permanent restrooms, septic systems, and waste management facilities may work for year-round commercial businesses, but can financially overwhelm farms testing seasonal or small-scale operations.

“Very frequently, the infrastructure investment for permanent restrooms or permanent waste disposal, septic systems, can often come with a very, very hefty price tag that small and diversifying farm operations may not be able to necessarily take on right away,” Proulx said.

These discoveries formed the basis for a comprehensive statewide guidance and analysis document addressing value-added agriculture and agritourism, which the department released in October. Rather than recommending major regulatory overhauls, the document outlined current regulations, spotlighted common obstacles, and pinpointed opportunities for increased flexibility or clearer guidance to help farms advance.

Proulx reports measurable progress since the document’s publication. The department internally restructured to officially connect value-added agriculture with marketing and business development functions. Additionally, proposed regulatory modifications and legislation designed to create more adaptable, seasonal alternatives for on-farm food service are currently under review.

For Proulx, this initiative ultimately supports farm sustainability in Maryland, which faces ongoing development pressures and agricultural land loss.

“With all of the challenges facing Maryland’s agriculture, whether that be development pressure (or) loss of farmland, it’s really, really encouraging to see the passion and the patience within the industry in diversifying and finding these new opportunities for future generations,” he said.

(Editor’s note: John Hall is a professional commodities analyst.)

Agricultural economists speaking at the Ag Forum Outlook conference held February 19-20 shared projections stating: “The U.S. corn outlook for 2026-27 is for reduced production, domestic use, exports and ending stocks.”

Analysts anticipate the corn harvest will reach 15.8 billion bushels, representing approximately a 7% decrease compared to the previous year.

Farmers are expected to plant corn on 94.0 million acres, which is 4.8 million fewer acres than last year. Yield estimates of 183.0 bushels per acre assume typical planting schedules and average summer weather conditions.

Despite higher beginning inventory levels from the previous year, total corn supplies are predicted to reach 17.9 billion bushels, declining from the record 18.6 billion bushels recorded in 2025-26.

The situation presents a complex picture: planted acreage will decrease, production will drop, but demand is also falling while substantial carryover inventory remains from last year.

Overall U.S. corn consumption for 2026-27 is expected to fall roughly 2% due to reduced domestic consumption and export volumes.

Food, seed, and industrial applications will remain steady at 7 billion bushels. Ethanol production is projected to consume 5.6 billion bushels, based on anticipated stable gasoline consumption and export levels.

Animal feed and residual usage will decline about 3% to 6 billion bushels due to lower available supplies.

Export volumes are forecast to drop by 200 million bushels to 3.1 billion.

America’s share of global corn trade is anticipated to decrease slightly as South American competitors increase exports while worldwide demand growth remains modest.

The global corn landscape has undergone dramatic transformation!

Building on previous analysis from a February 17 column examining corn production worldwide, data using 2017-18 as the baseline year clearly demonstrates that global corn expansion began accelerating in 2021-22.

International corn production has expanded 15% since 2017-18, fundamentally altering market dynamics.

The source of this expansion becomes clear when examining the world’s three largest corn producers, using 2016-17 as the comparison year.

Data reveals substantial production increases in Brazil and China beginning in 2021-22. Research by Dr. Joana Colussi at Purdue University’s Center of Commercial Agriculture highlighted Brazil’s expansion last summer.

While China’s growth received less attention initially, the country has added approximately 4.6 million acres of farmland between 2020 and late 2024 through land reclamation projects and high-quality agricultural development initiatives.

China’s total cultivated area reached nearly 319.57 million acres in 2024.

This expansion stems from China’s massive pork consumption. The numbers are staggering.

Reports from April 2025 indicated China maintained 427 million head of pigs, compared to the European Union’s 132 million head and the United States’ 76 million head during the same period.

This enormous swine population explains China’s corn requirements for feed production and their soybean needs for protein supplementation in pig feed.

As noted in the February 17 analysis, China’s ending grain stocks represent nearly two-thirds of global ending stocks.

China’s food security approach has evolved from rigid state-controlled self-sufficiency during 1949-1970s to a market-based strategy emphasizing “absolute security of staple foods.”

Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, the strategy targets 95% grain self-sufficiency, stringent farmland preservation, and agricultural technology advancement, shifting focus from quantity alone to quality and diversification.

Beginning in 2004, the strategy adapted to prioritize “guaranteed supply” through international trade while maintaining tight control over domestic wheat and rice production.

Consequently, the government maintains a year’s grain supply in storage, releasing it to farmers gradually.

This system also enables government control over farmer pricing.

Given China’s position as the world’s largest grain purchaser, President Xi Jinping’s statement requires careful analysis: “95 percent grain self-sufficiency, strict farmland protection, and agricultural technology, transitioning from mere quantity to quality and diversification.”

This suggests significant investment in domestic agricultural expansion aimed at reducing import dependency.

This strategy likely explains China’s substantial investments in Brazilian agriculture to achieve this “self-sufficiency.”

What triggered this strategic shift? Many attribute it to Trump administration tariffs. However, examining the timeline reveals Trump’s first presidency spanned 2017-20.

Another significant event occurred: COVID-19 was initially identified in China during December 2019, rapidly spreading globally.

COVID-19 severely impacted global food security by disrupting supply chains, forcing factory shutdowns, and restricting transportation, resulting in widespread hunger and exposing vulnerabilities in food production and distribution systems.

Lockdowns and economic disruptions amplified these challenges, increasing food crisis exposure for millions.

The timeline suggests COVID-19 served as the primary catalyst for President Xi Jinping’s strategic mindset shift. If accurate, this changed perspective has transformed the global commodity grain marketplace. This deserves serious consideration!

Returning to U.S. corn consumption data completes this analysis. Recent figures show usage patterns for the past two years and projections for the upcoming year.

These numbers indicate usage has remained relatively stable. As noted, U.S. corn projections for 2026-27 anticipate reduced production, domestic consumption, exports, and ending stocks, which current data supports.

In conclusion, effective marketing requires understanding both customers and competition. Market flatness over the past year suggested fundamental changes were occurring.

This research helps explain the underlying causes. Assuming this data proves accurate, significant price improvements seem unlikely without major drought conditions.

Additionally, markets appear unable to absorb increased production.

Reducing planted acreage could potentially support prices. Is this a viable option for farmers?

(Note: Research material compiled from Allendale, DTN, USDA, University Land Grants and other credible sources. This represents expert consensus rather than individual opinion. For marketing coaching or strategy discussions, contact [email protected] or call 410-708-8781.)