As the trading session hit its midday, the CME Group’s farm markets gained strength. On Wednesday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the U.S. weekly ethanol production dropped to a seven-week low. (Successful Farming)

If your Christmas tree tastes mirror Clark Griswold’s in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” — tall, voluminous and raised locally — then the ideal conifer might be hard to find at an Illinois farm this season. Yet, growers want you to know that doesn’t mean the reduced supply is as sparse and frail as the sapling in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” (The Pantagraph)

U.S. natural gas futures slid Tuesday to the lowest level in nearly three months as warmer-than-expected winter forecasts sent prices tumbling. (CNBC)

On Dec. 4 and 5, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will host the first Illinois Product Holiday Market on the Y block north of the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. The holiday market will feature Illinois products including the Homestead Bakery, Jon Ellis Woodworking, Peter’s Produce Smoked Cheese and Goods, JoJo Jewelry and many more, according to IDOA. (The Edwardsville Intelligencer)

Many Americans are paying higher prices at the pump this holiday driving season. U.S. gasoline prices have climbed about 50% in a year with drivers paying an average of $3.40 a gallon for regular, up from $2.27, according to data from price tracker GasBuddy. This year’s rise is on pace to be the largest percentage increase in at least a decade. (Wall Street Journal)

Livestock producers in Alaska face a long list of challenges, including finding affordable feed, hauling animals to the Palmer slaughterhouse from far-flung farms and finding enough large tracts of agricultural land to support a true boom in meat production. But getting the Alaska Meat Packers facility up and running is a crucial step, industry members say. (Anchorage Daily News)