New Farm Bill Unveiled to Address Agricultural Financial Crisis

Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 18, 2026

DELMARVA — House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson has unveiled Farm Bill 2.0, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, designed to address the current farm financial crisis. Thompson acknowledged significant financial pain in American agriculture, stating that farmers need a bridge. The 5-year framework aims to provide updated support programs for struggling producers nationwide.

Livestock

U.S. poultry production shows modest growth with a 2% increase in broiler-type eggs being set for hatching and chick placements nationwide, according to new data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The figures reflect ongoing expansion in America’s chicken farming sector.

Markets

Live cattle April contracts settled down $0.27 to $242.52 per hundredweight. Dairy commodities moved higher. Cheese blocks gained $0.05 to $1.50 per pound, while barrels added $0.02 to $1.47. Nonfat dry milk rose to $1.5975 per pound.

Forecast

Rain is expected to move in tonight with temperatures dropping to 35°F. Thursday brings very light rain with highs reaching 45°F. Light rain continues Thursday night into Friday with temperatures in the upper 40s. The wet pattern persists through Friday night before drier conditions arrive Saturday.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.