Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help. (Farm Bureau)  

Illinois is in a precarious position when it comes to the 2020 census. The count determines congressional representation, and the state is at risk for losing up to two seats. (NPR Illinois)  

The Trump administration believes it can assuage farmer anger over its biofuels policy by agreeing to use more partial waivers for oil refineries, signaling a potential solution to a protracted battle between Big Corn and Big Oil, two key political constituencies in next year’s presidential election. (Reuters)

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley said on Tuesday he has been assured by the White House that 2020 biofuel blending mandates will be finalized in accordance with a September agreement between the administration and biofuel and corn producers. (Reuters)  

Under pressure from the U.S., Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is proposing to reduce tariffs on some American agriculture products, from chicken to apples. (Bloomberg)

Richard Guebert Jr. the president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, spoke in the annual meeting of the group in Chicago. He highlighted the key challenges they faced during the year 2019. He said, “I do not know about you, but I am ready to be done with 2019 and turn the page to 2020.” He talked about the key political and weather issues that plagued agriculture. (Chicago Morning Star)