DELMARVA — Grain markets showed mixed results Friday as the week wrapped up with gains for wheat driven by weather worries and fertilizer concerns. Soybeans climbed on short covering and technical buying but still finished the week with modest losses.
Traders are watching U.S. planting progress closely while keeping an eye on potential trade talks between the U.S. and China, though those negotiations remain uncertain due to ongoing military developments in the region.
Markets
Peanut farmers saw a solid boost this week. The average payment for farmer stock peanuts reached 23.2 cents per pound for the week ending April 18, up 2.9 cents from the previous period.
Policy
Virginia farmers are battling severe drought conditions across the Commonwealth. The U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday shows every corner of Virginia experiencing some degree of drought, with most counties facing severe classifications. 5 counties are dealing with extreme drought.
Agriculture Secretary Katie Frazier says the state is working closely with USDA and federal partners to direct producers to resources through official drought disaster declarations. 1 longtime Virginia farmer says he’s seeing rocks in his creek he’s never seen before in 7 decades on the property.
Forecast
Friday afternoon brings mostly sunny skies with temperatures around 70°F. Tonight brings a chance of rain showers with lows near 50°F. Saturday expects rain showers with highs in the mid-50s and east winds 10 to 20 miles per hour.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, April 24, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
