DELMARVA — Farmers across the Midwest are making significant adjustments to planting strategies as spring planting season begins. In South Dakota, producers are reducing corn seed density by several thousand seeds per acre due to drought conditions and insufficient sub-soil moisture. Meanwhile in Arkansas, one grower is shifting entirely to soybeans, citing that corn and rice continue to show negative returns while beans approach break-even with recent price improvements.
Markets
Corn futures closed Monday with May contracts up 1.75 cents at $4.54 per bushel. Soybeans gained 3.25 cents, finishing at $11.66.75. May wheat dropped 4.25 cents to $5.77.50. Soybean meal added $1.40. Live cattle futures climbed 70 cents while feeder cattle slipped 27 cents.
Forecast
Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with lows around 43°F and light west winds. Tuesday brings sunshine with highs near 55°F but northwest winds gusting to 20 mph. Tuesday night is the primary concern with a freeze watch in effect. Temperatures are expected to drop to 29°F with patchy frost anticipated. Farmers should protect sensitive plants and livestock. Wednesday starts frosty but warms to 51°F under sunny skies.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 6, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
