Climate legislation recently introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aims to, in part, establish a minimum biodiesel standard of B20 for diesel fuel sold in the state. The Illinois Soybean Association has spoken out in support of the bill’s biodiesel provision. (Biodiesel Magazine)

America’s biggest cash crop has rarely been more expensive. Corn prices have risen 50% in 2021 and a bushel costs more than twice what it did a year ago. (Wall Street Journal)

With her four daughters, Eleanor Basehoar leads an operation with 2,480 hogs. Together they grow corn and soybeans, raise a few cattle for a local meat market and are entertained by some alpacas in the barnyard in Laura. (The Pantagraph

Tyson lifted its sales forecast as beef markets strengthen and the company increases prices to pass through higher expenses. Costs are on the rise after severe winter weather hit U.S. livestock and poultry farmers and dry conditions boosted grain prices. Tyson said feed costs for chicken increased $125 million. With the global economy reopening, companies are also struggling to find enough workers. (Bloomberg)

U.S. beef and pork exports hit the highest monthly values ever recorded in March, giving renewed hope to the red meat industry that the pandemic slowdown is mostly behind it, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Meat Export Federation. (Agri-Pulse)

Consumer education is needed to increase understanding of food date labels according to a new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. (Sci Tech Daily)