Many beef producers in Illinois will find little to celebrate during Beef Month. A supply glut, production problems due to weather conditions and COVID-19 have taken a toll on the industry. (Illinois Farmer Today)

Farmers are still being squeezed out of small business loans even after Congress tried to fix the issue in its most recent stimulus package. It’s the latest glitch in Washington’s attempt to save the farm economy. (Politico)

– A group of award-winning barbecue restaurants in southern Illinois are coming together to provide meals for health care employees and other workers battling on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. (Associated Press)

You may have heard stories of farmers having to dump milk in Wisconsin or plow under potatoes in Idaho. Since there are no farmer’s markets in operation, and most restaurants have severely cut back on their regular orders, a lot of farmers in the area have been pivoting, working with companies that have existing distribution channels. (ABC7 Chicago

: Illinois farmers may sign up for WHIP+ Quality Loss Payments by contacting their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and setting up an appointment. All counties are eligible for losses caused by excessive moisture due to a USDA disaster declaration last year. Under WHIP+, USDA will provide assistance to farmers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. Payments from the program will take into account a farmer’s crop insurance coverage and size of the loss. No one will receive more than 100% of the value of their crop. Applications are available here

Given the scale of this sector, Illinois must find the fortitude to overcome engrained barriers and self-interests to accelerate its future. (Crain’s Chicago Business)