Three Illinois universities are studying hemp production and offering courses related to the state’s newest agricultural crop. A panel of researchers from Southern Illinois University, the University of Illinois and Western Illinois University reported on their universities’ involvement with industrial hemp and discussed collaborative efforts. (FarmWeekNow)

Illinois Pork Producers Association and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board donated 100,263 pounds of ground pork to foodbanks throughout the state in 2019 on behalf of the Pork Power program. Farmers and partnering commodity groups contribute to the program year-round in order to help feed hungry neighbors. (National Hog Farmer)

Bunge Ltd ended its 13-year ownership interest in an Iowa ethanol plant, the company said on Thursday, following industry struggles with thin margins and overproduction. (Reuters)

With the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China about to be signed, a key threat hanging over the global economy has diminished. After 18 months of wrangling about Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and opening of its markets, investors are hopeful that the current pause in the trade war will be maintained. (The Hill)  

Registration is now open for farm legacy seminars hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial. (FarmWeekNow)

Many people reflecting on 2019 will remember it as one of the toughest years in recent memory for American agriculture. But there were many bright spots too. Here, the American Farm Bureau Federation looks back at a challenging 2019 and reflects on victories for agriculture. (Farm Bureau)