1-USDA issued its last look at the 2017 crop and in the process corn and wheat took it on the chin. Soybeans held firm but there are questions about exports and supply. Check out their look at report details.

2-The American Farm Bureau Federation held their 99th annual convention Jan. 5-10 in Nashville, Tenn. The event was filled with news makers. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue talked about removing regulatory burdens, while President Trump touted his tax bill before a crowd of more than 4,000. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney says Mexico’s March elections present a hard deadline for renegotiating NAFTA. – Prairie Farmer

3-More than 30 tribes across the country are part of the new Native Farm Bill Coalition, which is going to lobby for Native American needs in the next farm bill. The most recent USDA census counted more than 56,000 Native American operated farms and ranches across the country. – Minnesota Public Radio

4-The Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined for the second month in a row in December, drifting to a reading of 126. – Farm Futures

5-North Dakota State University farm management specialists have created a calculator to help growers estimate the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments they may receive on 2017 crops. – Dakota Farmer

6-Cooperation among various partners has been a recipe for success for conservation efforts in Indiana over the past few years. – Indiana Prairie Farmer

7-Drought-like conditions in Missouri caused germination problems and farmers are seeing thin stands in the east-central part of the state. Statewide average total precipitation for September through November was 5.70 inches, 4.5 inches below the long-term average, or 56% of normal. – Missouri Ruralist

And your bonus:

Ever wonder why we need the North American Free Trade Agreement? Here’s some insight from an ag perspective. – BEEF Magazine