Joni Ernst, political star: Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, an Agriculture Committee member, is on the rise politically; she’s the fourth-ranking GOP Senate leader, mentioned as a vice presidential candidate and host of the annual Roast and Ride on June 3, an important stop for presidential aspirants. (Politico)
Seeking Black Sea guarantee: Ukraine wants a guarantee that its grain exports will continue to flow through the Black Sea if it allows Russia to ship ammonia fertilizer across Ukrainian territory to the port of Odesa. (Reuters)
Georgia peaches decimated: Horticulturists at the University of Georgia say roughly 90 percent of the Peach State’s crop has been destroyed by bad weather and a warming climate. (WABE)
Hybrid vs heirloom artichokes: An ambitious campaign to produce a year-round artichoke has altered the flavor, color, texture and even the taste of California’s state vegetable, as well as where it’s grown. (The Mercury News)
Four endangered rural sites: The National Trust for Historic Preservation named four rural sites, from the Osterman Gas Station in Arizona to the Pierce Chapel African Cemetery in Georgia, to this year’s list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” (Daily Yonder)