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

Flooding in Brazil

Crazy weather in Brazil has hurt production from north to south. Excessive rains during harvest in Mato Grosso are resulting in poor quality soybeans that don’t meet the required germination and vigor to use for seed next planting season. The rains also led to a mudslide in Rio de Janeiro, which killed over 100 people. – Farm Futures

Fire at soy processing plant

A fire broke out at the Louis Dreyfus Company processing plant and biodiesel plant in Claypool, Indiana on Tuesday. Claypool is the largest fully integrated soybean processing and biodiesel plant in the U.S. Soybean deliveries were suspended, which could slow production of soymeal and biodiesel during a time of high demand. – Reuters

Bayer declares force majeure

Bayer AG, the maker of Roundup, declared a force majeure, meaning it may not be able to meet its sales agreements for glyphosate or glyphosate-containing products. The company’s notice cited mechanical failures. This suggests supplies for postemergence herbicides could be even tighter for 2022. – Indiana Prairie Farmer

Meet the best young farmers

The National Outstanding Young Farmers program has named winners for 2022 and 2021, including eight unique and exceptional young farmers. The 2022 top four national winners include couples from Illinois, North Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. – Prairie Farmer

Purdue research to improve drone efficiency

Drones have proven to be useful tools for the ag industry. Somali Chaterji, a Purdue researcher aims to help drones perform their own data analysis to make quick, efficient decisions. By determining their own optimal trajectories through on-board intelligence, drones will reduce wasted battery power and recharge time. – Purdue University

Inflation on the farm

Brooks Barnes, second-generation farmer in North Carolina, shares how he is feeling the squeeze of inflation. Even as crop prices remain high, supply costs are expected to outpace the price of agricultural goods in 2022. “I’ve always been excited to start a new crop but I’m not excited at all for this one,” said Barnes. – The Wall Street Journal

Impact of meat alternatives on cattle industry

A new paper explains that plant-based meat alternatives could have a significant impact on the economy, environment and animal welfare. However, it is heavily dependent on if consumers are willing to shift their diets. Authors predict a shift in demand would only modestly reduce cattle and beef prices. – BEEF Magazine

And your bonus…

National Farm Machinery Show

It’s farm show season! The 56th National Farm Machinery Show is underway in Louisville, Kentucky Feb. 16-19. This is the largest indoor farm show, with more than 900 exhibitor booths spanning over 27 acres. Visitors can also attend free seminars (including some hosted by Farm Futures!) and check out the indoor Championship Tractor Pull.