DELMARVA — Spring planting across the United States is nearing completion, with 86% of the nation’s corn crop in the ground as of Sunday, according to USDA figures released this week. The planting progress exceeds the 5-year average of 83%.
Emergence rates have accelerated significantly, with 60% of corn already emerged, up sharply from 39% a week earlier. Soybean planting is also running ahead of schedule at 79% complete.
Disease Alert
Corn producers are being urged to monitor for tar spot, a disease continuing to spread through Midwest farming regions. Jason Gibson with Corteva Agriscience warned that the disease can rapidly worsen when conditions favor its development, but protective fungicide treatments like Forcivo can help safeguard yields.
Markets
Grain futures mostly declined in Tuesday trading. July corn settled at $4.57 1/2, down 5 3/4 cents. July soybeans closed at $11.86, dropping 10 1/2 cents. July soybean meal finished at $328.60, down $3.30. July soybean oil rose 38 points to $74.36. July Chicago wheat ended at $6.35 1/2, down 10 3/4 cents.
In livestock markets, June live cattle fell $1.07 to $248.22. August feeders declined 40 cents to $349.45. June lean hogs gained 37 cents, finishing at $96.12.
Forecast
The afternoon forecast calls for 72 degrees under cloudy skies. Tonight will bring patchy fog with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 63 degrees. Wednesday brings rain showers likely with a high near 74 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, May 26, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
