DELMARVA — America is facing its smallest winter wheat harvest in almost 50 years as severe drought continues to devastate crops across the Central Plains. According to findings from this year’s wheat tour, production has dropped 26% compared to 2025 levels.
Sean Finnie, interim executive director with the Wheat Quality Council, described the extent of crop damage observed during the tour as extraordinary. The persistent lack of rainfall in key wheat-producing areas is expected to result in the nation’s most limited winter wheat output in nearly half a century.
Local Crop Management
An agricultural specialist is urging corn and soybean producers on Delmarva to closely watch their crop stands during emergence. Ryan Peterson from WinField United says uniform emergence plays a crucial role in maximizing yields.
If 1 corn plant emerges about 2 leaves later than its neighbor, that late-emerging plant essentially becomes a weed, competing rather than contributing to the harvest.
Markets
July corn closed Thursday at $4.67½/bu, down 15¼¢. July soybeans finished at $11.92½/bu, falling 36½¢. July Chicago wheat ended at $6.58/bu, losing 17½¢.
Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel, Delaware is paying $5.13/bu for July corn and $11.33/bu for July soybeans.
Forecast
Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with a low around 51°F and northwest winds 10-15 mph. Friday looks mostly sunny with a high near 70°F and northwest winds 10-15 mph.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, May 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
