Cheese, milk and other dairy prices are expected to remain elevated as well due to tight supplies and strong demand. What’s driving the price increases, and is a butter shortage on the horizon? FarmWeek’s Daniel Grant has the story. READ MORE

Mountain lion struck, killed in DeKalb County State wildlife officials are assessing a situation of a mountain lion killed by a vehicle in DeKalb County. Illinois Department of Natural Resources experts believe it might be the mountain lion that was seen by a trail camera on Whiteside County private property in late September. How rare are mountain lion sightings in Illinois? READ MORE

Snow was flying in parts of Illinois early this week, but temperatures will be on the rise. What’s driving the cold October weather and how long will the upcoming mild temps last? DTN Agriculture Meteorologist John Baranick talks with RFD Radio’s Jim Taylor about the pattern. READ MORE

USDA plans to spend $1.3 billion to resolve farm loan debt held by up to 34,000 borrowers. Announced Tuesday, the directive will aid “distressed farm loan borrowers,” at risk of losing their operations. “And now what we can be is basically someone who’s in a position of providing help and assistance, which I think is consistent with the responsibilities of government,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. READ MORE

Carroll and Lake County Farm Bureaus helped families from a domestic violence shelter enjoy a farm experience. Partnering with adopted legislator state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, farmers offered combine rides, farm tours and more. READ MORE

Helping bridge the urban-rural divide, the Adopt-A-Legislator program brings Farm Bureau leaders and legislators, many from the Chicago area, together to foster connections. From farm and museum tours to a trip to the Chicago Bears’ training camp, we have a roundup of their recent visits. READ MORE