DELMARVA — Agricultural leaders in Virginia are raising concerns about new minimum wage legislation that will affect farm employers for the first time in nearly 50 years. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a bill that will boost the state’s minimum wage to $15 hourly by 2028.
The law requires farm employers to pay minimum wage for the first time in nearly 5 decades. The current $12.77 rate jumps to $13.75 next year before hitting $15 in 2028. Future adjustments will be tied to inflation. The change holds significant implications for Virginia growers on the Eastern Shore.
Markets
May corn closed Friday at $4.41 per bushel. May soybeans settled at $11.75¾. May soybean meal surged $14.20 higher to $331.80. May Chicago wheat ended at $5.71. Live cattle futures for June finished at $240.20 per hundredweight.
Forecast
Ideal spring weather is ahead for the region. Saturday will be sunny with highs reaching 65° and northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies tonight will drop temperatures to 42°. Sunday stays sunny, topping out near 60° with light easterly winds. Monday warms to 76° and partly sunny before a slight chance of rain showers Monday night.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, April 11, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
