The $6.1 billion U.S. egg industry is betting on its next biggest trend: climate-friendly eggs. As savvy marketing has resulted in so-called specialty eggs grabbing about a third of the market today, farmers are hoping to add another layer of premiumization: eggs from a special type of sustainable farm that can be trumpeted as being better for the planet. (Bloomberg)

The Illinois Association of Future Farmers of America hosted the first ceremony of their 2021 state convention Tuesday. Held at the Cornbelters Corn Crib in Normal, Illinois FFA honored award-winning students in districts 1&2 for their respective achievements with the FFA club over the past year. (WMBD)

State lawmakers early Tuesday morning passed a fiscal year 2022 budget with about $42.2 billion in general revenue funds and $2.5 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The new budget maintains funding levels for the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and agriculture programs and services. (Premier Broadcasting)

The latest drought monitor was released Thursday after a week of precipitation across much of the Midwest. Drought conditions in Illinois remained relatively unchanged. (Successful Farming)

The Biden administration released its $6 trillion budget request to Congress, following up on his “skinny budget” he sent earlier this spring. Although the President’s budget is normally dead on arrival on Capitol Hill, it does offer an important place marker for the president this year as he and the Democratic Party attempt to pass many of their priorities as outlined in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan possibly through the reconciliation process. (Feedstuffs)

An update of the Embarras River Watershed Management Plan has begun with the goal of reducing phosphorous runoff into the river and points farther downstream. Northwater Consulting, based in Springfield, is conducting the update with assistance from Coles County and other water conservation districts, the University of Illinois Extension, and Illinois Farm Bureau offices. (Journal Gazette & Times-Courier