Senate Leaders Advance Emergency Farm Relief as Financial Crisis Deepens

DELMARVA — Senate Agriculture Committee leaders are ramping up efforts to address what they describe as a generational financial crisis facing American farmers, with discussions underway for a supplemental aid package potentially worth $16-$17 billion. Arkansas Senator John Boozman, who chairs the committee, has called the situation facing producers a generational crisis requiring congressional action. […]

DELMARVA — Senate Agriculture Committee leaders are ramping up efforts to address what they describe as a generational financial crisis facing American farmers, with discussions underway for a supplemental aid package potentially worth $16-$17 billion.

Arkansas Senator John Boozman, who chairs the committee, has called the situation facing producers a generational crisis requiring congressional action. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins said lawmakers are actively developing the emergency relief package, with Senators Boozman and Hoeven leading the discussions, though the exact figures remain fluid.

Energy Markets

Energy markets remained in focus this week as experts warned that tensions in the Middle East could drive up fuel and fertilizer costs for producers across the country. Rising oil prices from the Iran situation are starting to impact American consumers.

Delaware Leadership

Delaware’s Farm Service Agency is operating under new leadership this spring. Cory Atkins was named state executive director in January, bringing hands-on farming experience to the role. He has been running his own operation while advocating for producers at multiple levels of government.

Markets

Live cattle futures closed Friday with April contracts down $0.35 at $239.90 per hundredweight. June contracts fell $0.42 to $228.95. Feeder cattle showed mixed results, with April contracts gaining $0.10 to finish at $343.10, while May contracts dropped $0.75 to $339.17.

Forecast

Sunny skies are expected today with highs reaching 54° and west winds 15-20 mph. Tonight turns partly cloudy with lows dropping to 35°. Sunday brings partly sunny conditions with highs near 55°, but showers and thunderstorms move in Sunday night as lows hold around 47°.

This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, March 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.