DELMARVA — An Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly is in effect through 8 PM on July 4, posing serious risks to farm workers and livestock across the region.
Temperatures Wednesday will reach 96°F, climbing to 101°F Thursday and peaking at 103°F Friday. Overnight lows will remain in the mid to upper 70s, providing little relief. Winds are light out of the southwest at 5-10 mph, and no rainfall is expected through the holiday weekend.
Farmers are urged to limit outdoor field work to early morning hours, protect livestock, check water supplies, and never leave animals in enclosed spaces.
Markets
Yesterday’s closing numbers showed gains across the grain complex. July corn settled up 10¾ cents at $4.12¾/bu. July soybeans gained 8 cents, closing at $11.16¾/bu. July Chicago wheat added 11¼ cents to close at $5.80¾/bu.
On livestock markets, August live cattle fell $1.15 to $242.42. Lean hogs bucked the trend, gaining 50 cents to close at $94.32.
Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bidding $4.54/bu on December corn and $10.96/bu on November soybeans.
Policy
A new farm labor bill introduced this week by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson is drawing broad support from agriculture groups nationwide. The National Milk Producers Federation says the bill could open H-2A guest worker access to the dairy sector, addressing a long-standing gap in the program.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, July 1, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
