“Considering Cover Crops?” is a newly-published resource for Illinois farmers that provides a comprehensive guide to the most recent research and intelligence for effectively incorporating a cover crop ahead of corn, soybeans, and wheat. The Guide outlines comprehensive tactics for cover crop use as part of a nutrient management strategy. Research results from planting to termination of cover crops are included. (Illinois NREC)

Recent months have seen a substantial increase in fast food and casual dining restaurants offering plant-based meat options, including offerings from companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Taco. The degree to which this market will continue to grow is still an open question, but there is little doubt that the past year has seen such brands move more into the mainstream. (Forbes)

The catastrophic outbreak of African swine fever in China presents market opportunity for the U.S., according to AFBF. AFBF economist Michael Nepveux explained that he expects a significant decline in China’s hog herd this year. “We’ve seen some pretty big estimates in terms of depopulation of the herd. Most estimates at this point would say it’s at least 30% of the herd or more.” (Farm Bureau)

Biofuels groups have filed a petition in the U.S. court of appeals in Washington against the Environmental Protection Agency, challenging the agency’s process for granting refineries exemptions to the nation’s biofuel blending mandates, the groups said Wednesday. (Reuters)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed preparatory work on locks and dams at Starved Rock and Marseilles along the Illinois River this month. (FarmWeekNow)

The clock ticks on for Congress to pass USMCA this year, with just over 20 legislative days left on the calendar. One key GOP supporter of the trade pact says he’s losing hope of ratification in 2019. (Politico)