Maryland Senate Bill Targets Estate Tax Relief for Farm Families

DELMARVA — Maryland farmers may receive relief from a problematic estate tax issue as a Senate bill in Annapolis aims to fix complications for farm families using limited liability companies for land management and inheritance planning. Under current law, agricultural property worth up to $5,000,000 can be exempted from state estate taxes when inherited by […]

DELMARVA — Maryland farmers may receive relief from a problematic estate tax issue as a Senate bill in Annapolis aims to fix complications for farm families using limited liability companies for land management and inheritance planning.

Under current law, agricultural property worth up to $5,000,000 can be exempted from state estate taxes when inherited by qualifying heirs who continue farming. However, if agricultural operations cease within 10 years, the state can reclaim those tax advantages. The proposed legislation would address these challenges for farm families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Seed Industry

Major seed companies announced significant product launches this week. Dekalb is bringing nearly 30 new corn genetics to market this year, while Syngenta and Stine Seeds unveiled their Enlist E3 Expance soybean trait at Commodity Classic.

Markets

Friday’s closes at the Chicago Mercantile saw live cattle futures take a beating. April contracts dropped $3.95 to $234.57 per hundredweight. June settled at $231.47. Feeder cattle fell even harder, with April down $7.37 to $351.62.

Forecast

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 this morning. Today’s high will be near 50° with areas of fog clearing and a slight chance of rain showers later. Southeast winds will be 5 mph or less. Tomorrow brings rain showers likely with highs reaching 64°.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, March 7, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.