U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced today that China has taken numerous actions to begin implementing its agriculture-related commitments under the landmark U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement on schedule. The agreement entered into force on February 14, 2020. Details at USDA.

Livestock industry changes compounded by tariffs and market uncertainty challenged FS Total Livestock Services Inc. working to meet customers’ needs in the southern third of Illinois. (FarmWeekNow)

American Farmland Trust is celebrating the success of the Illinois Cover Crop Premium Discount Program, otherwise known as Fall Covers for Spring Savings (FCSS). The FCSS is designed to promote the planting of additional acres of cover crops that are not already covered by other state or federal incentives. (AgDaily)  

The USDA on Thursday announced a goal for biofuels to make up 30 percent of U.S. transportation fuels by 2050, a move that could bolster an industry that has been otherwise battered by the Trump administration. (Reuters)

Farmers are expected to produce record amounts of meat, milk and major crops this year as the agriculture economy rebounds from 2019’s trade and weather disruptions, but exports are forecast to rise relatively modestly in coming months despite the new trade deal with China, according to the Agriculture Department. (Agri-Pulse)  

Twenty-one farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers are launching Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability. This coalition will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies. (Farm Bureau)