The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Stakeholders Summit, themed “Obstacles to Opportunities,” equipped farm and food stakeholders with the tools needed to turn the obstacles of 2020 into opportunities for the decades to come. The 2021 event, held primarily May 5 and 6, was the largest to date attracting 594 registered attendees. A full report of highlights and takeaways was recently released. (National Hog Farmer)  

Kirk Henry, who farms with his dad Brad, was smiling on April 27, the day he finished corn planting for the season. Rain was in the forecast for the next day to help the crop get off to a good start in the field near Bellflower in McLean County. (The Pantagraph)

The Soil Health Partnership — which was a project of the National Corn Growers Association — has been around for the past seven years promoting the adoption of soil health practices for economic and environmental benefit. However, the SHP announced this week that they will be closing their door. (AgDaily)

The Southern Illinois Summer Twilight series is accepting registrations for their next 3 programs. The series highlights and demonstrates innovative farm systems across southern Illinois. (WSIL

In his second go-around as the country’s top agricultural official, Tom Vilsack hopes when it comes to farm pollution to wield more carrot and less stick. Vilsack said last week that in President Joe Biden’s administration, “the ultimate goal is to reduce emissions” but that his preferred method is through incentives and education, not the heavy hammer of regulatory enforcement. (Quad-City Times)

Chicago Mercantile Exchange hog futures rallied on Friday to their highest in nearly seven years, with strong demand outstripping supplies on hand as restaurants around the United States have been reopening after COVID-19 shutdowns, traders said. (Reuters)