DELMARVA — National poultry production surged in June, with the USDA reporting 4.751 billion pounds certified wholesome — up 8% from the same period last year. Federal officials credited higher chicken slaughter numbers and heavier turkey weights. Chicken alone accounted for 4.299 billion pounds of the total. For Delmarva’s poultry growers, the figures offer an encouraging outlook heading into the back half of summer.
Policy
The Trump administration announced new Section 301 tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5% on 60 countries, but fertilizer, pesticides, and seeds were carved out and exempted. Farm groups responded favorably, calling the exemptions meaningful relief for producers dependent on those inputs.
Markets
Friday’s closing grain futures showed September corn settling at $4.64¼, up ¼ cent. August soybeans closed at $12.48, gaining 10½ cents. September Chicago wheat fell 18¼ cents to $6.78.
On livestock, August live cattle closed at $227.07, up $1.67. August lean hogs settled at $102.85.
Locally, Laurel Grain Company in Laurel is bidding $5.09 per bushel on September corn and $12.04 on November soybeans.
Forecast
Saturday evening conditions are sunny with a high of 81°F and light easterly winds. Sunday also looks clear, with sunny skies, a high of 83°F, and light winds out of the east. Both days offer favorable fieldwork conditions across the region.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, July 25, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
