Drought Watch (US Plains): Nebraska farmer Matt Bailey says spotty rainfall and extreme heat are rapidly worsening corn and beans, with irrigation “meant to supplement” rather than replace Mother Nature. Crop Losses (US): Severe spring freezes are expected to cut U.S. cherry output nearly 60% year-on-year, with disaster requests likely as processors face the biggest hit. Market & Policy (US Livestock): Farm groups are urging the Trump administration to preserve Packers and Stockyards protections, warning proposed rollbacks could weaken safeguards for family farmers and contract poultry growers. Farm Finance (New Zealand): Federated Farmers reports farm mortgages falling for dairy and meat-and-wool operators on strong returns, while arable farms remain under pressure. Trade Facilitation (West Africa): Togo and Benin are coordinating along cross-border corridors under IFAD’s PRIMA program to reduce barriers to agricultural, forestry, livestock and fishery trade. Food Security (Montana): Montana Farm Bureau’s “Ask a Farmer, Feed a Family” links consumers to farmers for pantry donations as SNAP access gaps strain local food resources. Livestock Strategy (EU): Bulgaria’s agriculture minister backs the EU’s livestock strategy but says the Protein Action Plan doesn’t offset higher feed costs for small and mountainous farms. Aquaculture Research: A new study models fish breeding programs that factor social behavior, showing indirect social effects can change genetic gain and variability. Conservation & Land: A Maryland family adds a 29-acre permanent conservation easement, expanding protected farmland and habitat buffers. Fisheries & Governance (Philippines): Militant fishers protest a proposed Economic Security Zone under the Luzon Economic Corridor, arguing it could militarize strategic areas and threaten sovereignty. Weather Outlook: The Old Farmer’s Almanac fall forecast points to a cooler, slightly drier Atlantic corridor (including New Jersey) with an El Niño-driven split between coasts and interior.