As consumers chafe at growing food price inflation, the Biden administration is pointing a finger at some of the country’s largest meat companies, suggesting pandemic profiteering may be responsible for the steep rise in the prices of beef, pork and poultry. (The Washington Post)

There were 6.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 3, 2021. Corn harvested for grain reached 41 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 32 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 32 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 25 percent. (WJBC)  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency is seeing growth in programs to insure a larger volume and variety of organic and specialty crops, reflecting increased consumer purchases of such products. (Business Insurance

As Illinois continues to face an agricultural education teacher shortage, one group is tackling the issue through a grant program for beginning ag teachers. Destiny Swalve, ag teacher at Armstrong Township High School, was selected as one of four new agriculture teachers in Illinois to receive recognition as a recipient of the Illinois Agricultural Education Teacher grant. (Yahoo! News)

The latest trade numbers show strong U.S. agricultural exports despite transportation challenges. Trade data shows U.S. exports are up this year with a significant increase in exports to China. American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Veronica Nigh shares the details. (Hoosier Ag Today)

Turkey remained a staple of Thanksgiving and many holidays during the pandemic, even if families couldn’t all gather as they had in previous years. And because dinner tables were tighter and more intimate than ever during the holiday season, many Americans opted for a much more petite turkey than before — meaning the demand for smaller turkeys is higher than experts have ever seen it. And while COVID-19 vaccines may enable more family members to reunite over the holiday season safely (albeit carefully!) this year, it’s unclear if the trend of roasting a smaller turkey is here to stay. (Good