Whether at supermarkets, corner stores, or open-air markets, prices for food have been surging in much of the world, forcing families to make tough decisions about their diets. Meat is often the first to go, ceding space to less expensive proteins such as dairy, eggs, or beans. In some households, a glass of milk has become a luxury reserved only for children; fresh fruit, once deemed a necessity, is now a treat. (Bloomberg)  

A historic drought across the U.S. West is taking a heavy toll on California’s $6 billion almond industry, which produces roughly 80% of the world’s almonds. More growers are expected to abandon their orchards as water becomes scarce and expensive. (Associated Press)

Farmers, lawmakers, and special guests gathered on the Director’s Lawn at the State fairgrounds for breakfast Tuesday. It was the kickoff event for Ag Day, one of the most popular events at the Illinois State Fair. (WEEK 25)  

Monday was mixed again in the dairy markets. As the USDA announced an increase in SNAP benefits and the world monitors the growth of COVID 19 delta variants spread, the markets were undecided on a direction. (Dairy Herd Management)

Soybeans were lower in overnight trading, corn yields in Nebraska are looking better than they did in the past three years, and rainfall is expected in parts of eastern Iowa and northern Illinois into the weekend. (Successful Farming)

Fueled by strong commodity prices and continued pandemic assistance, farmland values are skyrocketing, up by 14% in the central Midwest and by 10% in the central Plains, said the Federal Reserve banks in Chicago and Kansas City on Thursday. (Successful Farming)