DELMARVA — The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report shows steep declines in two key measures, with a University of Tennessee agricultural economist calling the numbers a clear reflection of tough conditions facing cattle producers nationwide.
Charley Martinez, agricultural economist at the University of Tennessee, says placements during May were down 10% compared to 2025. Marketings of fed cattle came in 12% below last year — the second lowest May total on record.
Policy
Virginia has written agrivoltaics into law, making it official that solar energy and farming can coexist on the same land. Governor Spanberger signed the legislation Tuesday at a working demonstration farm in Warrenton.
Under the new law, a project must prioritize farm productivity, keep agricultural products moving to market throughout the life of the solar array, and operate as part of an existing farm business. Supporters say the legal definition protects against greenwash projects that use a few goats to claim agricultural status.
Markets
Corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is at $4.59/bu for December delivery. Soybeans at Laurel are fetching $10.93/bu on the November contract.
Forecast
This evening stays mostly sunny with highs near 85°F and westerly winds around 20 mph. Tonight drops to the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Sunday brings full sunshine and highs near 87°F — a solid day for field work across Delmarva. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in Monday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, June 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
