Fertilizer Costs Strain Delmarva Growers Ahead of Spring Planting

DELMARVA — Corn and soybean producers across the country are facing steep fertilizer costs heading into spring planting season, hitting Delmarva growers particularly hard as farmers lock in supplies early to manage expenses. One Minnesota producer secured anhydrous ammonia back in December and priced U-A-N needs about 30 days ago as prices climbed. The decision […]

DELMARVA — Corn and soybean producers across the country are facing steep fertilizer costs heading into spring planting season, hitting Delmarva growers particularly hard as farmers lock in supplies early to manage expenses. One Minnesota producer secured anhydrous ammonia back in December and priced U-A-N needs about 30 days ago as prices climbed. The decision on whether to pay now or wait is forcing tough conversations in farm offices across the peninsula.

Crop Health

Soybean cyst nematode remains a silent threat in fields across the region. An Iowa State researcher says many farmers don’t even know they have the pest in their ground. The key to control starts with field monitoring and soil testing, then using every available management tool from resistant varieties to crop rotation.

Markets

Soybeans and corn both closed higher Thursday on strength from crude oil and biodiesel demand optimism. Live cattle futures for April settled at $231.25 per hundredweight, up $1.10. June live cattle climbed $1.30 to $229.37.

Forecast

The region is clearing out Thursday night after some mixed rain and snow showers in the afternoon. Temperatures tonight drop to 30° under mostly clear skies. Friday looks better with mostly sunny skies and a high near 51°. Southwest winds pick up to 5 to 20 mph.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 12, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.