The U.S. corn and soybean planting paces remain way above their averages, but below trade expectations, according to the USDA’s Crop Progress Report on Monday. (Successful Farming)

National Restaurant Association Interim president & CEO Marvin Irby and Association Board Chair Melvin Rodrigue were among the restaurant leaders who met with President Donald J. Trump to discuss how the industry has been impacted by job losses and closures related to COVID-19, and to hear from President Trump about his plans for industry recovery in the days ahead. (QSR)

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States should consider terminating trade deals under which it imports cattle as he looks to help U.S. ranchers hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. (Reuters)

China has significantly stepped up purchases of U.S. agriculture products in the past two months, according to U.S. officials, even as purchases in other sectors fall short of expectations under the first phase U.S.-China trade deal. (Wall Street Journal)

The USDA has released details of the direct payments included in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Beginning May 26, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. You can find program details on our USDA page.

Many specialty crops are grown right here in Southern Illinois, which makes buying locally grown food not only easy, but also important. Buying local keeps an additional 32 cents per dollar in our communities. Local farmers’ markets are a great place to shop, but many area grocery markets also carry locally grown food items. (The Southern)