The World Organization for Animal Health reported outbreaks of African Swine Fever last month in China, Russia, Moldova and Ukraine. Italy reported a new strain Jan. 5. Hundreds of million of pigs have been killed because of the disease, sparking pork shortages and increased prices. (The Food Institute)

The National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued its Illinois Crop Production 2021 Summary. (The Pantagraph)

A Covid-19 vaccination requirement that will bar unvaccinated drivers of freight trucks coming from Canada to deliver goods across the American border this month may exacerbate supply chain issues for auto parts, experts say. (NBC)

El Salvador offers Illinois farmers thousands of skilled workers seeking seasonal, 10-month jobs through a 2020 agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador governments, the El Salvador Consulate general counsel said during a Jan. 6 speech in Springfield. (The Rock Island Dispatch-Argus)

Soybean futures were higher in overnight trading on concerns about South American weather while grains declined. Beef production in the U.S. in 2021 is forecast at 27.95 billion pounds amid increased non-fed cattle slaughter and heavier carcass weights, the USDA said in a report. (Successful Farming)

Currently, truckers who cross state lines must be at least 21 years old, but an apprenticeship program required by Congress to help ease supply chain backlogs would let 18-to-20-year-old truckers drive outside their home states. (NBC)