DELMARVA — Spring planting on Delmarva is moving along well after last week’s essential rainfall. Commodities analyst John Hall says the region was one of the few crop-growing areas nationwide that actually needed moisture.
Nationally, corn planting hit 57% completion as of Sunday, just behind last year’s 59% but ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans reached 49%, well above the 36% average. Hall questions whether rising fertilizer costs might push soybean plantings beyond 85 million acres this year.
Markets
Agricultural markets saw selling pressure Friday. Soybeans, corn, and wheat all posted losses as funds and technical traders continued liquidating positions. July wheat closed at $6.79, up from $5.30 back in January. July corn settled at $4.76. November soybeans finished at $11.96.
Turning to local cash bids, corn at Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is bringing $5.01 a bushel for July delivery. Soybeans are $11.21 for November.
Policy
Maryland’s Department of Agriculture Friday launched a $1.6 million grant program to help rural communities build cold storage facilities and upgrade delivery systems. The Postharvest Infrastructure Grant Program operates under the state’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program.
Forecast
Clear skies are expected tonight with a low around 55°F. Saturday looks sunny with a high near 79°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, May 15, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
