RUSSIA will extend its ban on grain exports until after next year's harvest has been collected, catching the global industry off guard.

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said: "It is necessary to note that we will be able to end the export ban only after next year's harvest is gathered and the picture regarding grain balances becomes clearer."

USDA Recovery Act Funding Helps a South Dakota Rural Learning Center Become a Reality

The Miner County Development Corporation (MCDC) in Howard, South Dakota, broke ground recently on a new learning center complex with the assistance from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).  Funding was provided through a USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Loan in the amount of $3.2 million guaranteed through Miner County Bank in Howard.