The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday made it easier for small oil refineries to win exemptions from a federal law requiring increasing levels of ethanol and other renewable fuels to be blended into their products, a major setback for biofuel producers. (Reuters)

All of Central Illinois’ wicked weather is greatly affecting agriculture and farming in in the region, with some farmers saying 5-10% of their crops have already been washed away by the first few days of storms. (ABC)    

The package would also provide $109 billion for roads and bridges as part of an overall $312 billion in new spending on roads, rail, waterways, and air transportation. (Successful Farming)

HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR, STEEL, ETHANOL LEAD THE RISE IN COMMODITIES PRICES – Halfway through 2021, commodities such as steel and ethanol have seen impressive gains, though others have seen prices drop sharply this month, with lumber nearly erasing its climb this year. (MarketWatch)

Chicago-based ADM has formed a ransomware task force and is running drills as incursions against food and agriculture companies have surged in recent years, including an attack in late May on meatpacking giant JBS SA. (Wall Street Journal)  

State fairs in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin all began in the 1850s. The oldest, Wisconsin’s, turns 170 this year. And while fair activities have expanded well beyond cows and sows to include midway rides and big name bands, they continue to honor their roots in agriculture. (Chicago Tribune)