Today’s quick hits, Feb. 1, 2021

Climate change, racial equality and rural America: Two Biden administration priorities — mitigating climate change and addressing racial inequality — converge in farm country. (New York Times)

Cattle inventory dips: There are 93.6 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms, a decline of 1 percent from one year ago, according to a survey of producers. (USDA)

‘Primary John Thune’: A private Facebook group advocates a challenge to Sen. John Thune, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, in the GOP primary election for the Senate next year in South Dakota, a sign of support for former president Donald Trump. (Associated Press)

Canadian canola soars: Heavy export demand, including a doubling of sales to China, is driving market prices for canola to nearly 13-year highs and emptying bins across Canada, the world’s largest grower of the oilseed. (Reuters)

More cover crops: Incentive programs in Illinois and Iowa are boosting the planting of cover crops by offering a discount on crop insurance premiums. (Harvest Public Media)