Over the last 70 years, U.S. farms have nearly tripled in production while the amount of resources used (including land, energy and fertilizer) has remained rather stable. (Keep in mind that’s 2% of the population doing all that work.) (FFASF)  

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) representatives announced Monday that USDA is investing $144 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 25 states, including Illinois. USDA is investing in 45 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Eligible applicants include rural cities and towns, and water districts. They can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. (USDA)

A bit more corn came out of Illinois fields last week, with 2% of the crop harvested as of Sunday, according to the USDA Crop Progress Report. That compares to 26% harvested by this point in the season last year. Corn dented was at 77% and corn mature was at 26% as of Sunday. The crop was rated 18% poor or very poor and 6% excellent. About 96% of Illinois soybeans were setting pods as of Sunday, according to the report. Soybean coloring was at 53%, compared to 92% last year. Soybean condition was rated as 18% poor or very

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan concern about the late start to the planting season and what that will mean toward the end. “We need heat. We need sunshine,” said Sullivan. “This crop, especially that late-planted crop, has a lot of maturing to do, and if we can keep this weather, that crop is going to do well. But our biggest fear is an early frost. If we get an early frost, it’s going to absolutely be terribly hard on that late-planted crop.” (WJBC)

A U.S.-Japan trade deal hit a last-minute snag as Japanese officials sought assurances that the Trump administration will not impose tariffs on Japanese-built cars and auto parts, people familiar with the talks said Monday. President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have been aiming to sign a trade deal this week that provides increased access to Japan for U.S. agricultural goods and bilateral cuts in industrial goods tariffs. The limited trade deal is not expected to include changes to tariffs and trade rules governing autos, the biggest source of the $67.6 billion U.S. trade deficit with Japan. (Reuters)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Illinois’ request for public disaster assistance in 27 counties along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday. FEMA’s decision on the state’s request for individual assistance in 22 counties is still pending, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). (FarmWeekNow)