Missed some agricultural news this week? Here are seven stories to bring you up-to-speed.

John Deere employees strike

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America called a strike against Deere & Company, which began at midnight on Thursday. This strike affects more than 10,000 workers at 14 facilities across the United States.  – Farm Futures

Farmer charged for wheat crop scam

A Washington farmer is accused of collecting money in hidden wheat sales while also collecting over a half-million dollars in crop insurance for alleged losses. Gray Land and Livestock LLC are being sued by the federal government. – The Associated Press

Bushel acquires ADM, Cargill joint venture GrainBridge

Bushel, a Fargo-based company, announced on Tuesday it has acquired GrainBridge, a joint venture aimed at bringing technology to the business of grain buying. Earlier this year, Bushel acquired FarmLogs, which is a farm-based management system. – Farm Futures

Ida ag damage totals at least $584 million

Experts at LSU AgCenter estimate Hurricane Ida did at least $584 million in damage to agriculture. Of that, $315.9 million was sustained from timber damage, while $207 million was from damage to buildings, equipment and other infrastructure. – The Advocate

WASDE report rattles market

On Tuesday, the USDA released the October 2021 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, triggering losses for both corn and soybeans. The move grew both domestic and global ending stocks, while wheat supplies across the globe tightened more than previous trade guesses had expected.  – Farm Futures

Chip shortages halt CNH Industrial

CNH Industrial NV is pausing output at a range of plants across Europe as the truck and agricultural equipment manufacturer battles shortages of semiconductors and other components. CNH plants in Europe make trucks and engines as well as tractors.  – Bloomberg

Farmland sales again break records

Last week, two tracts of Iowa land in Johnson County sold for $26,000 and $21,000 per acre, respectively. Real estate professionals expect an unprecedented amount of land to hit the market between now and the end of the year. But which will run out first – acres or buyers? – Farm Futures

And your bonus.

It’s pumpkin season! A Wisconsin man grew the heaviest pumpkin in the country, weighing in at a whopping 2,520 pounds. Mike Schmit would have set a record for heaviest pumpkin in Wisconsin and made the all-time list for pumpkins grown in the United States. But – his pumpkin cracked, disqualifying him from contests. “I know I can do it again, so we just gotta look forward to the future," he said.  – WTMJ-TV Milwaukee