Missed some agricultural news this week? Here are seven stories to catch you up.

Decrease in CRP enrollment

The USDA has accepted 2.8 million acres for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program in 2021. “Despite Congress raising the enrollment target in the 2018 Farm Bill, there have been decreases in enrollment for the past two years,” says Bob Wegand, Acting Director for the Iowa Farm Service Agency. The USDA will be around 4 million acres short of the enrollment target. -USDA

COVID assistance for livestock, poultry producers

Under the second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP 2, the USDA will provide assistance to address gaps in initial round of aid. Contract producers of livestock and poultry have until Oct 12, 2021 to apply for or modify applications for CFAP. – Farm Futures

Farm bankruptcies down

The number of family farm bankruptcy filings in the U.S. from June 2020 to June 2021 was the lowest since 2015. This is a decrease of 24% from the previous 12 months. However, 11 states did see an increase in the number of bankruptcy filings. – American Farm Bureau Federation

Promising U.S. peanut yields

If recently published U.S. peanut yield and production forecasts hold up through harvest, peanut growers will average 10% higher yields than last year. "We’ll have to see if these new numbers hold correct. We still have a way to go with this year's crop,” says peanut economist Marshall Lamb. -Southeast Farm Press

Philippines approves Golden Rice commercial use

The Philippines approved the commercial propagation of genetically modified Golden Rice after a decade of field tests. The country is one of the world’s top rice importers. Some environmental groups are calling for a reversal of the decision. – Reuters

Horizon Organic terminates milk contracts

Danone, a global food company and owner of Horizon Organic, will terminate milk contracts with nearly 120 organic dairy farms by the end of next August. This blow will leave farmers in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Maine searching for alternatives. -The Associated Press

Beef quality grades explained

Too often, consumers don’t understand the difference between grades of beef. But they are not alone. Jason Morris, University of Missouri Extension, finds beef producers can get quality and yield grade mixed up, resulting in unrealized gains. – Missouri Ruralist

And your bonus.

Thursday, Aug. 26 was National Dog Day! We all know our furry, four-legged friends can play an important role in a farming operation. Dog ownership is also good for our health! One study associated dog ownership with a 24% reduction in dying early from any cause. – CNN