DELMARVA — Grain markets closed higher across the board Friday, fueled by weather concerns and a strong round of export sales announced by the USDA.
The USDA reported that 340,000 tons of American soybeans sold to China, 256,634 tons headed to Mexico, and another 120,000 tons sold to undisclosed buyers — all for the 2026-2027 marketing year. That news helped push soybean prices higher, with August beans closing up 9.5 cents at $12.04½ per bushel. September corn settled at $4.44¾, up 3.25 cents. September Chicago wheat finished at $6.82¾, gaining 8 cents on the day.
At Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware, September corn is bringing $4.90 per bushel, and November soybeans are at $11.53.
Research
University of Maryland researchers at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown are testing cereal rye cover crops as a weed management tool in soybean fields. The trials, funded by the Maryland Soybean Board, are exploring whether rolling rye at different crop growth stages affects weed suppression and stand establishment.
Forecast
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has pushed Delaware’s air quality to Code Red Friday, with a fine-particle index of 186. DNREC urges everyone to limit outdoor activity. Saturday brings patchy smoke and a high of 94°F, with showers and thunderstorms arriving Saturday night.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, July 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
