DELMARVA — Federal regulators are proposing major changes to meat processing operations that could impact Delmarva’s poultry industry. The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service has put forward new rules that would allow pork and poultry plants to operate production lines at faster speeds based on their equipment and safety records.
The agency says it will maintain full oversight even as facilities increase processing capacity. The proposal comes as livestock supplies remain tight nationwide, with cattle particularly scarce.
Swine Health
A new swine health initiative from the National Pork Board aims to strengthen disease prevention across pig farming operations, targeting serious threats including African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Markets
March corn closed at $4.26¼ per bushel, down 5½ cents. March soybeans gained 1 cent to finish at $11.34. March wheat fell 8 cents to $5.34¾.
Live cattle jumped sharply, with April contracts up $2.17 to $242.80 per hundredweight. Feeder cattle surged $4.82.
Forecast
Widespread fog continues tonight with lows around 33°F. Wednesday will see that fog lifting with highs reaching 52°F under partly sunny skies. Rain chances increase Thursday into Friday with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
