MIDWEST FARMERS ARE ON TRACK FOR A RECORD-HIGH HARVEST, DESPITE A YEAR OF EXTREME WEATHER –

Farmers across the Midwest are on track for near record-high harvests of corn and soybeans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a natural disaster designation this week for farmers in many counties across Illinois, citing “sufficient production losses” due to weather issues. (Iowa Public Radio)