The American agricultural industry posted its highest annual export levels ever recorded in 2021. In an announcement from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Tuesday, the final 2021 trade data published by the Department of Commerce shows that exports of U.S. farm and food products to the world totaled $177 billion, topping the 2020 total by 18% and eclipsing the previous record, set in 2014, by 14.6%. (Beef Magazine)

The new year opened new markets and options for Illinois farmers and food entrepreneurs to sell their homemade products directly to consumers. (Yahoo News)

Last year’s shindig may have been a casualty of Covid hibernation. This year, with mass vaccinations and more widespread testing, such a get-together is finally possible. And with it comes a grocery bill that reflects the surging consumer prices. (CNN)

For the 12th consecutive year, Quad Cities Illinois farmers helped local families with their contributions to River Bend Food Bank as part of the annual Bushels for Hunger program. (WQAD)

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, during a visit to the capital city on Monday, announced the rollout of a new federal grant program aimed at helping address climate change while creating new economic opportunities for farmers. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)  

The ABC network is developing a show about a once-failing family farm that grew into a national phenomenon. The program will be titled, ‘The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life–and Saved an American Farm’. It’s based on the book ‘The Growing Season’ written by Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms. (WSIL)