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USDA officials tell Agri-Pulse they are working “amicably” with the Biden transition team, which is paving the way for the incoming administration next week. On the international front, the transition team has been pressing USDA for details on the impacts of the “phase one” trade deal with China.

U.S. soybean export sales are unusually strong in January for both the current 2020-21 marketing year and the upcoming 2021-22 marketing year, boosted by China’s efforts to both feed its growing swine herd and replenish stocks.

U.S. soybean future prices are on the rise amid continued Chinese demand and concerns of tight global supplies, putting markets in a “rationing” mode, according to a Cargill executive.

Tom Vilsack is expected to have little trouble getting confirmed to another term as agriculture secretary. It's a good thing, because he'll have a lot to do the minute he walks in the door, starting with implementation of the COVID package just enacted.

With a deal in place between the newly independent UK and the European Union, American ag groups are anxious to see the U.S. complete its own free trade agreement with the British as the Biden administration prepares to take the reins in ongoing talks.

Farmers painted a slightly more optimistic picture of their expectations in December but still have a handful of policy concerns as the country prepares for a new administration and Congress.

It’s been more than a year and a half since Mexico has approved any new genetically modified seed traits and the country is showing no signs of relenting even though it remains “one of the world’s largest importers of GE corn and soy,” according to a new report from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

Chinese importers wrapped up 2020 with new purchases of U.S. soybeans, wheat and corn, according to the latest weekly USDA trade data.

The U.S. is ratcheting up its punishment on the European Union with new tariffs on French and German wine and other alcoholic beverages as both sides remain entrenched over aircraft subsidies.

The coronavirus pandemic was top of mind for nearly every aspect of the global economy in 2020, and farm policy stakeholders were keeping a close eye on Agri-Pulse’s coverage of the virus and legislative efforts to lessen its blow throughout the year.