DELMARVA — Agricultural leaders in Virginia are raising concerns over new minimum wage legislation that eliminates a longstanding exemption for farm employers. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a bill this week that will increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028 while removing a decades-old provision that allowed farm employers to pay less than minimum wage.
The increase will progress from $12.77 this year to $13.75 next year, reaching $15 in 2028. Future adjustments will track inflation. Virginia Eastern Shore growers are expressing serious concerns about how these labor cost increases will impact their operations.
Markets
Friday’s close showed mixed results across major commodities. May corn finished at $4.41 per bushel, down 3 cents. May soybeans climbed 10.5 cents to $11.75 3/4. Soybean meal surged $14.20 higher to $331.80. May wheat fell 3.5 cents to $5.71.
Forecast
The region is wrapping up a pleasant Saturday evening with clear skies and temperatures around 40° tonight under light northeast winds. Sunday looks sunny with highs near 60° and light east winds. Perfect weekend weather for any fieldwork planned.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 11, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
