Farmland values throughout central and southern Illinois increased 8.54% on average from last year, according to the 2021 annual study of 20 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois appraisal department. (The Telegraph)

Complete figures for Illinois’ 2020 exports will be released in October, and industry experts said they expect to see another set of strong data for statewide corn and soy producers. But other circumstances have left many Illinois farmers in limbo as they move into a healthy harvest season while facing a volatile market. (The Pantagraph)

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh announced on Aug. 25 the establishment of a $400 million Dairy Donation Program (DDP) on a call with Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow. The DDP, established by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aims to facilitate timely dairy product donations while reducing food waste. (Dairy Foods)

One of the nation’s largest ag trade shows returns to Decatur next week. The Farm Progress Show (FPS) returns to Progress City on the Richland Community College Campus for a three-day run Aug. 31 and Sept. 1-2. (WAND)  

U.S. dollar stores including Dollar General and Family Dollar are likely to see a sales and earnings boost from the Biden administration’s plan to hike food stamp benefits, an added payoff for the chains’ strategy to tap the $274 billion fresh food market. (Reuters)  

A recent survey showed 95% of farmers are concerned that changes in tax policy will make it harder to pass their farms to the next generation. Here’s what everyone’s doing about it — and what you can do to help. (Farm Progress