The latest viral outbreak in China appears to have sapped positive momentum from the commodity markets as it raises human health concerns. (FarmWeekNow)

The two-year trade war between the U.S. and China upended commerce world-wide, slamming the brakes on global trade growth—but also delivering modest benefits to a handful of industries and countries that saw gains as the giants tussled. (The Wall Street Journal)

More rain and increased temperatures are projected to become the norm in Illinois, the Illinois State Water Survey state climatologist said recently of weather trends and its impact on Illinois agriculture. “Impacts related to temperature change have actually been quite minimal in Illinois, especially relative to other places in the U.S. That is probably going to change in the next few decades.” (AgriNews)

University of Illinois Economist: “We’ve seen soybean prices running down significantly ever since the phase one trade deal was announced because there was uncertainty about the deal and whether China would meet the commitments. And then when you added this shock that happened with the coronavirus outbreak, it made that even more pessimistic.” (Northern Public Radio)

President Donald Trump is proposing increases in spending for high-speed internet and other types of rural infrastructure as part of his fiscal 2021 budget. The budget scheduled for release on Monday will include $25 billion for a new “Revitalizing Rural America” grant program for high-speed internet and transportation projects. (Agri-Pulse)

Farmers at the annual Illinois Dairy Summit in Bloomington considered options to improve their bottom lines. And for good reason. The recent upturn in milk prices could tail off through winter. This, after a multiyear run of tight margins and losses, forced some farmers out of business. (FarmWeekNow)