Moderate to severe drought conditions have hit the northeast corner of Illinois, primarily hitting McHenry and Lake counties and spreading into the northern parts of Kane, Cook and DuPage counties, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. Farmers are concerned but remain optimistic. (Northwest Herald)  

Meat prices usually go up during the summer because of cookouts and holidays, and chicken prices typically go down, but now everything is up and there are a few reasons why. (WBMA

Moderate to severe drought conditions have hit the northeast corner of Illinois, primarily hitting McHenry and Lake counties and spreading into the northern parts of Kane, Cook and DuPage counties, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. Farmers are concerned but remain optimistic. (Northwest Herald)

Emerging markets struggling to get hold of Covid-19 vaccines may be in for another kick in the guts: food inflation. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday that its global food price index hit its highest level since September 2011. With groceries making up a greater share of their inflation baskets, developing nations will feel the biggest pinch. (Reuters)

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to rural communities in Illinois facing questions on how to grow or how to stop the decline. A program called Smart Growth is a collaborative policy and planning concept rural communities can adopt to develop solutions that fit their specific wants and needs. (The Center Square)

Opposition among UK farmers is growing towards a trade deal close to being concluded with Australia. They say there are no meaningful safeguards in place to stop farmers being undercut by cheap imports. However, some, including farmers in Australia, believe it’s an opportunity for positive change. (BBC News)