DELMARVA — Delaware cattle producers are sitting on record equity as beef prices continue climbing to historic levels. However, those high values also mean each hundredweight now carries significantly more financial exposure than in previous years, leaving cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the region with more at stake in today’s volatile market.
Markets
Federal agricultural analysts bumped corn prices up to $4.15 per bushel in their latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Projections for the 2025 to 2026 U.S. corn market remain steady, with feed consumption and other uses holding at 6.2 billion bushels.
In local cash markets, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.02 a bushel for May delivery. Soybeans are at $11.28 for May. Over in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Triple-M Farms is paying $5.22 for corn and $11.53 for soybeans.
Forecast
Mostly sunny skies are expected today with temperatures climbing to 83 degrees under light southwest winds. Good planting weather is forecast if fields are ready. Tomorrow brings a chance of rain showers with highs around 78 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
