The reality of empty meat counters was a shock to many Americans when the pandemic started last year. But where most other supply gaps are being addressed by changing how the U.S. acquires key items, the money flowing to small slaughterhouses shows no sign of solving the meat problem. (ABC News

Additional partnerships and funds are coming to Lake Springfield’s Source Water Protection Project. (WCIA)  

Negotiating an infrastructure package with Republicans is next on House Democrats’ to-do list. Rural advocates want to see a big boost for their struggling communities. (Politico)  

The United States saw at least $1.3 billion in potential agricultural exports rejected at major ports on the East and West coasts, from July to December last year, according to a CNBC analysis. (CNBC)  

As African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread and reemerge in countries overseas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced March 16 that they have developed a protocol to help ensure bilateral trade will continue if ASF is detected in feral swine in either country, while still absent from domestic swine. (Feedstuffs)

Archer Daniels Midland Co. will pay $45 million to settle a lawsuit from peanut farmers claiming the firm colluded with other processors to depress the prices paid to peanut growers. (Herald & Review