Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) inspectors are preparing before the state’s first industrial hemp crop is harvested. Inspectors will take plant samples from randomly selected licensed growers to test tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, said Jeff Cox, head of IDOA’s medicinal plant bureau. By federal and state law, industrial hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Licensed growers must report to IDOA at least 30 days before harvest. Cox noted IDOA is allowing growers a five-day window on either side of their projected harvest date. (FarmWeekNow)

Dairy cooperatives and milk processors can apply for partial reimbursement for milk they donate to the needy through a new program administered by USDA. The Milk Donation Reimbursement Program, authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, goes into effect Sept. 16. Under the program, eligible dairy organizations must partner with nonprofit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. The program is aimed at both reducing food waste and providing nutrition assistance. (Capital Press)

China on Wednesday announced it will exempt American industrial grease and some other imports from tariff hikes in a trade war with Washington but kept in place penalties on soybeans and other major U.S. exports ahead of negotiations next month. The move applies to raw materials for farmers and factories, suggesting Beijing wants to limit damage to its slowing economy from the fight with President Donald Trump over trade and technology. It adds to indications that both sides might be settling in for extended conflict even as they prepare for talks in Washington aimed at ending their dispute. (Associated Press)

USDA will provide larger disaster-aid payments for losses in 2018 than for 2019 and will offer prevent-plant bonus payments of up to 15 percent for farmers who were unable to seed crops this spring due to the heavy Midwest flooding. Farmers who lost crops to hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters in 2018 will receive 100 percent of their intended payments, while losses for 2019 will be covered at 50 percent, under rules for the disaster program that were announced Monday by USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The program, officially dubbed WHIP+, will begin sign-up today. (Agri-Pulse)

Only 8 percent of Illinois corn has matured, according to USDA’s Crop Progress Report released Monday. Jackson County farmer Eric Shields said there are a “few guys in the area starting corn harvest.” Given the late planted crops and excessive summer heat, some farmers hope rain can push crops to the finish line. “The biggest factor is lots of holes in the field right now from the wet planting season. We can have some pretty good soybeans, but you take a few holes and that really knocks yield out pretty quick. So, we just have to see when we get

“How can farmers run their small business without high-speed internet service? We have internet in rural areas, but it’s not adequate to run today’s technology,” Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan during a Friday reception with Kankakee County Farm Bureau. Sullivan has met with internet providers, farm bureau members and others with a vested interest in broadband internet service. To help provide greater service, the general assembly passed a capital bill, Connect Illinois, with $420 million for broadband service across Illinois. (Kankakee Daily Journal)