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

1. USDA sent shockwaves through the market Thursday when it released its Prospective Plantings report. USDA predicts U.S. farmers will plant 93.6 million acres of corn, the most since 2013, and 82.2 million acres of soybeans, the least since 2013. – Farm Futures

2. An Iowa State University study says that China’s wheat subsidies are costing U.S. wheat farmers $653 million per year, up 16% from $550 million in 2015.  – Farm Futures

3. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an investment of $5.2 million to support nanotechnology research at 11 universities. – Farm Futures

Low prices have farmers worried about their finances, Deere acquires majority ownership of Hagie and sorghum collaboration.

4. China announced plans to end its state corn stockpiling program, replacing it with other subsidies. The U.S. Grains Council is hopeful it’s a step toward more market-orientated decisions. – Farm Futures

5. Low prices have farmers worried about their finances ahead of spring planting, according to a March Farm Futures survey.  Debt levels are rising, but the percentage of operations considered financially vulnerable remains relatively modest. – Farm Futures

6. Deere & Company has acquired majority ownership of Hagie Manufacturing, a leader in high-clearance sprayers. – Farm Futures

7. The Sorghum Checkoff, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas State University are collaborating to increase grain sorghum productivity and expand sorghum markets by 2025. – Farm Futures

And your bonus –

Environmental groups are challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to approve genetically modified animals used for food. The lawsuit stems from the FDA approving a genetically modified salmon for human consumption. – The Wall Street Journal