Many parts of the nation are dealing with historic flooding that rivals the Great Flood of 1927, which is sending grain markets higher. Here’s a look at seven stories making the news this week.

1. A Farm Futures analysis found the average county payment for the second round of Market Facilitation Program payments could run around $47 per acre nationwide, but payments will vary widely from county to county. – Farm Futures

2. Farmers felt they could spray glyphosate with a clear conscience. Monsanto started selling Roundup in 1974. For 20 years, it didn’t attract much attention, but after the introduction of Roundup Ready soybeans in the 1990s, sales of the chemical increased more than ten-fold. Most recently, three civil trials have went against Bayer, which purchased Monsanto. – National Public Radio

3. An Ohio State University agricultural economist says the damage done from the ongoing trade war with China could take years to undo. China was the second-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in 2017. – Ohio Farmer

4. A growing number of young, college-educated Africans are seeking to professionalize farming in Africa, where the profession is viewed as synonymous with poverty. These millennial farmers are applying scientific approaches and data-crunching apps to increase yields and show that farming can be profitable. – The New York Times

5. Thinking about taking  prevent plant this year? Purdue experts suggest you may want to take another look. In neighboring Illinois, 2019 is the most delayed year for planting dating back 40 years. – Indiana Prairie Farmer, Prairie Farmer

6. Franny Kansteiner is a self-described “designing shepherd.” She raises about 300 sheep on Gum Tree Farm in Virginia and knits wool goods that she retails. – The Alton Telegraph

7. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Iowa Hemp Act into law on May 13. Passage of the law is the first step before growers can legally plant and market industrial hemp in the state. – Wallace’s Farmer

And your bonus.

Luke Bryan has announced the dates of his 2019 Farm Tour. Tickets go on sale next week. He’s visiting Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Oklahoma in September and October. – Rollingstone