U.S.-Taiwan trade talks: U.S. goals during upcoming trade talks with Taiwan will include increasing agricultural trade between the nations. Taiwan was expected to buy $3.6 billion worth of U.S. farm exports this fiscal year. (U.S. Trade Representative)
Lenders for heirs’ property: The USDA named the first three lenders that would receive federal funding so they can make loans to agricultural producers and landowners looking to resolve heirs’ property ownership and succession issues. (Farm Service Agency)
Steep drop in corn crop: Driven by a 40 million-tonne decline in global corn production from 2021/22, world grain production was forecast to contract 2 percent this season, though it would still be the second largest total on record. (International Grains Council)
Lanternfly infestation spreads: Just a year after the spotted lanternfly was found in the southeastern corner of Indiana, the invasive insect, a threat to wine grapes, honeybees, and walnut trees, was found in northern Indiana. (Purdue University)
Dissolving ‘forever’ chemicals: Although scientists have discovered a relatively low-cost way to destroy PFAS chemicals — combining them with two inexpensive compounds at a low boil — the technique needs further development to work outside a laboratory. (New York Times)