DELMARVA — Virginia’s agriculture sector is facing major cost concerns as Governor Spanberger signed legislation boosting the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028. The law also removes a decades-old exemption that allowed farms to pay below minimum wage, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that Virginia farm employers must pay minimum wage.
The increase moves from $12.77 this year to $13.75 in 2027, then $15 in 2028. Future adjustments will be tied to inflation.
Markets
May corn closed at $4.41 per bushel, down 3 cents. May soybeans gained 10.5 cents to finish at $11.75 3/4. May soybean meal jumped $14.20 to $331.80 per ton. May wheat fell 3.5 cents to $5.71.
Forecast
Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with temperatures dropping to 49° and light southwest winds. Saturday brings sunny conditions with highs reaching 65° and light north winds. Sunday looks mostly sunny with highs near 61°.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 10, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
