In wetter times, these feathery beds of asparagus would produce generations of tender green spears, reaching for the vast San Joaquin Valley sky. On Monday they were disked into the dry dirt, their long lives cut short by unreliable and expensive water. (North Bay Business Journal

On a rainy Saturday night, one young mom was delivering a surprise that would quickly stun her owners. Three-year-old Red Angus “Minnie” gave birth to triplet calves – a feat that is not only impressive but seemingly improbable. (ABC 7 Chicago)

In last week’s WASDE report, flagging overseas sales heading into the end of this marketing year prompted the USDA to pare U.S. wheat exports for this season ending May 31 by 20 million bushels (mb) as 2020/21 exports are now pegged at 965 mb for the second year running. (DTN)

Peoria’s Riverfront Farmers Market returned for the summer season on Saturday, May 22, bringing in hundreds of customers to shop local businesses. The Peoria summer staple hosted more than 75 vendors selling handmade goods, locally produced produce, plants, baked goods, and more. (WMBD)

U.S. farmers will finish planting corn very soon, while three-quarters of the soybean crop is in the ground. Emergence of both crops remains ahead of five-year averages, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report. (Successful Farming)  

For Illinois residents who fall within the one in 10 American adults who don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, farmers markets offer the chance for consumers to up their fruit and vegetable intake while supporting local farmers. (McDonough County Voice)