DELMARVA — The National Weather Service has upgraded Delaware’s heat alert to an Extreme Heat Warning covering all 3 counties, in effect through July 4. The most dangerous stretch is expected Thursday and Friday, with highs reaching 100°F Thursday and 101°F Friday. Officials warn the conditions pose life-threatening risks for anyone working outdoors across Delmarva.
Livestock operations and field workers face the greatest exposure during peak afternoon hours. Farmers are advised to plan field work and chores around early morning hours and to provide animals with additional water and shade.
Crop Health
The combination of heat and humidity is also raising disease pressure in corn and soybean fields. Damon Smith, an Extension field crops pathologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is urging growers to be selective before applying fungicides. With tight margins, Smith recommends prioritizing the worst-pressure fields rather than making blanket applications across every acre.
Markets
Grain futures closed higher Wednesday. September corn settled at $4.22¾ per bushel, up 6 cents. August soybeans closed at $11.33¼, up 9 cents. September Chicago wheat finished at $6.00 even, a gain of nearly 11 cents.
At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, September corn is bidding $4.68 per bushel and November soybeans are at $11.00.
On the livestock board, August live cattle closed at $241.82, down 60 cents. August lean hogs fell $1.15 to $97.05.
Forecast
Temperatures reached 95°F Wednesday, with an overnight low of 75°F expected. Thursday will hit 100°F under sunny skies. No rain is in the forecast until the holiday weekend.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, July 1, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
