DELMARVA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture faced heavy criticism this week after publishing what experts are calling unusually large corrections to corn production data. The federal agency released final 2025 corn acreage numbers in January that dramatically exceeded earlier projections from June. That unexpected increase caused already struggling grain prices to plummet by more than 5%.
Industry professionals who depend on USDA figures for marketing decisions expressed frustration with the historically trusted agency. The data errors have raised questions about reliability heading into the 2026 planting season. Delmarva corn growers are watching these developments closely as they finalize acreage decisions for spring.
Markets
March corn futures settled at $4.17 per bushel. March soybeans closed at $10.42. March wheat ended at $5.68. Local cash corn on Delmarva brought $3.90 per bushel. Soybeans averaged $9.85.
Forecast
Temperatures rebounded overnight from 18°F. Saturday looks good with mostly sunny skies and highs near 45°F under light westerly winds. Ideal conditions exist for any equipment maintenance or barn work.
Sunday turns cloudier with highs around 44°F and a chance of light rain developing by evening. Sunday night brings concern as rain could mix with or change to freezing rain with lows near 29°F. Monday’s holiday could see lingering freezing rain possible early before skies clear. Indoor work is recommended for Sunday evening through Monday morning.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
