Feed Pellet Quality Key to Turkey Grower Profits, New Research Shows

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4:47 AM

DELMARVA — New research in the poultry industry shows feed pellet quality can be just as important as feed ingredients when it comes to maximizing profits for turkey growers. Scientists found that pellet durability, how well feed stays intact rather than crumbling, plays a major role in bird weight at harvest and overall farm profitability. […]

Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — March 18, 2026

DELMARVA — New research in the poultry industry shows feed pellet quality can be just as important as feed ingredients when it comes to maximizing profits for turkey growers. Scientists found that pellet durability, how well feed stays intact rather than crumbling, plays a major role in bird weight at harvest and overall farm profitability. The findings come as turkey breeding programs have dramatically increased growth rates through genetic improvements over the past 40 years.

Markets

Cattle markets posted strong gains Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as traders positioned ahead of this week’s direct sales and Friday’s On Feed report. April live cattle climbed $1.97 to close at $235.22 per hundredweight. June live cattle gained $1.82 to $233.70. Feeder cattle showed even stronger movement, with April contracts surging $4.95 to $354.80.

Turning to the grain markets, May corn held steady at $4.54 per bushel. May soybeans gained $1.75 to $11.57. May Chicago wheat fell $0.075 to $6.8975.

Forecast

Expect partly sunny skies today with a high near 40° and north winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Tonight drops to 29° under mostly clear skies. Thursday brings mostly sunny conditions with temperatures climbing to 48°. Friday looks mostly sunny with highs reaching 55°, but rain chances arrive Friday night and continue into Saturday.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, March 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.

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