Need a quick catch up on the news? Here are seven agricultural stories you might have missed this week.

1. The Farm Bill 2018 Conference Committee held its first meeting on Sept. 5. Lawmakers talked about the need to pass a farm bill before the current one expires on Sept. 30. They also talked about issues important to their states. The Nutrition Title will likely be one of the most contentious issues, with President Trump saying he supports stricter work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.  – Wallaces Farmer, NPR

2. Dairy Farmers of America this week paid an average of $4,000 to nearly 9,000 farms to settle a lawsuit that accused Dairy Farmers of America; its marketing arm, Dairy Marketing Services; and Dallas-based Dean Foods with working together to monopolize the market for raw milk in the Northeast. – The Washington Post

3. African swine fever is spreading rapidly in China and there are fears it will spread to other Asian countries. The fever was first detected in China in early August and has been found on 18 farms in six provinces. - Reuters

4. Sign up began Sept. 4 for the Trump administration’s trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers impacted negatively by retaliatory tariffs. Up to $12 billion will be spent to assist farmers. Most of the money is now targeted to soybean producers. – American Agriculturist

5. Last year, 1.7 million acres of grasslands were lost across the Great Plains to crop production. This number represents an overall decrease in conversion from 2016, with 800,000 less acres plowed. – Kansas Farmer

6. The Ag Economy Barometer rebounded 12 points in August to a reading of 129 after falling to 117 in July. U.S. ag producers are still concerned about a trade war, but they were somewhat less concerned in August than they were in July. – Farm Futures

7. A multistory floating farm will soon open in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The floating farm will produce milk and yogurt, with the cows on the second level. Greenhouses will be located above them and below, processing machinery. – Weather.com 

And your bonus: 

Long Acre Farms in Macedon, N.Y, has shifted with the times. The farm operates the world’s second-longest continuously operated corn maze. The owners, Joan and Doug Allen, make their own fudge, wood-fired pizza, baked goods and kettle corn. They have added new attractions every year to attract crowds to the farm. – American Agriculturalist