Farmers who overcame soggy conditions to plant weeks later than usual now face a severely delayed autumn harvest. The lagging harvest has put still-growing crops in danger and has farmers worriedly checking weather forecasts as November inches closer. Mark Tuttle cuts straight to the point when describing the field and weather conditions he has faced this year on his farm in southern DeKalb County. “In one word, I’d say: ‘miserable,’” said Tuttle. (Chicago Tribune)

IDOA recently concluded its Industry Dairy Tour, which highlighted the state’s dairy industry to foreign market buyers. Twenty-two farmers and agribusiness owners from Mexico, Guatemala and Thailand participated in the three-day tour with stops in Highland, Greenville, Champaign, Mansfield, Naperville and Chicago. (FarmWeekNow)

Trade talks between China and the U.S. resumed Thursday. There are media reports suggesting China may seek a partial deal – that would include increased purchases of U.S. agricultural products. If that were to happen, it could provide relief for U.S. farmers. (CGTN)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has released a five-year economic plan for Illinois that builds on the state’s strongest sectors such as agriculture, health care and transportation. The Democrat’s “Plan to Revitalize the Illinois Economy and Build the Workforce of the Future” was released Wednesday. The plan’s goals include building long-term growth through exports, startups, research and development and more. (Associated Press)

U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence stopped in Iowa Wednesday to promote the passage of the USMCA trade agreement. Vice President Mike Pence challenged Iowa farmers, here, to press their members of Congress to get the USMCA passed. “Turn up the heat on them and tell them to pass the USMCA, this year! Call these people,” Pence says. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week, “We’re on the path to yes.” (Successful Farming)

Not only did eating a healthy diet for three weeks improve depressive symptoms in college-aged young adults, but those who continued the diet for three months kept their improved outlook on life, according to a small randomized trial on diet and depression. “Simply cutting down processed food intake and increasing fruit, vegetable(s) and fish resulted in improvements in depression symptoms,” said the lead author of the study. (CNN)