Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, heat waves, and drought wreaking havoc on much of the United States paint a picture of a nation in peril. Region by region, the country faces compounding disasters. (CNN)

The USDA predicts fiscal year (FY) 2021 ethanol exports will be at $2.2 billion, down $60 million when compared to FY 2020. Moving into FY 2022, however, U.S. ethanol exports are expected to reach $2.4 billion, up $200 million from FY 2021. (Ethanol Producer Magazine)

The US Department of Agriculture’s Quarterly Trade Forecast shows US agriculture exports continuing their record setting pace for the rest of 2021 and sustain their growth into 2022. (The Pig Site)

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II announced a grant award of $500,000 to increase farmer stress-related mental health initiatives statewide. The Department applied for the grant in coordination with Southern Illinois University Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development and University of Illinois Extension. (WSIL)

After a year away from customers, farmers and other vendors, organizers of the 2021 Farm Progress Show were grateful to finally gather again. (Journal Gazette & Times-Courier)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS HONEY SEES STEADY GROWTH – The good news is, local honey is easier to find as beekeeping becomes more popular in Central Illinois. The bad news: Beekeeping is not getting any easier. (Herald & Review)