DELMARVA — Grain and livestock futures closed lower across the board Thursday, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle all finishing in the red.
Markets
September corn settled at $4.41½/bu, down 6 cents. August soybeans fell 7¼ cents to close at $11.95/bu. September Chicago wheat ended at $6.74¾/bu, off nearly 3 cents. August live cattle dropped $3.05 to settle at $227.07/cwt. Feeder cattle and lean hogs also finished lower.
Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel is bidding $4.87/bu for September corn and $11.45/bu for November soybeans.
Despite Thursday’s losses, a market analyst with U.S. Commodities cited longer-term reasons for optimism, noting that recent trade movement between the United States and China could open export doors for corn and soybean growers. Both nations appear to be considering pulling back on tariffs, a development that would be meaningful for American farmers who have felt the pressure of that standoff.
Forecast
Smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed Delmarva on Thursday, triggering an air quality alert across Delaware. A heat advisory was also in effect, with highs near 96°F. Thursday night brings a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before smoky conditions return. Friday is expected to stay hazy with highs around 91°F and continued smoke — producers should plan field work accordingly.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, July 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
