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As Congress returns this week to iron out differences over funding the federal government for 2011, budget experts are warning that failure to address the growing federal deficit over the long term could produce dire consequences.

USDA reported export sales of 1,250,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to unknown destinations, fueling rumors that have been floating all week of a major purchase by Chinese buyers.

Congress returns to an overloaded agenda, with negotiations continuing on a budget-cut compromise to avoid a government shutdown April 8 and hearings on the FY 2012 federal budget, climate change, regulatory overreach, healthcare costs, job creation, and stalled free trade agreements.

USDA's Economic Research Service sees U.S. food prices up 4% this year, with meat and dairy prices leading the way.

NOAA's National Weather Service National Hydrologic Assessment warns that conditions favor spring flooding over large sections of the U.S. from the Northern Plains through the Midwest and to New England.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow announced Friday that she will hold the Committees first Farm Bill field hearing April 9 on Opportunities for Growth: Michigan and the 2012 Farm Bill.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced the appointment of members to the Minority Farmer Advisory Committee to advise him on implementation of outreach and assistance efforts to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have announced that U.S. producers are now eligible to ship a larger array of U.S. beef and beef products to Chile.

The key question on the agenda for the National Agricultural Landscapes Forum is What is the future of U.S. agricultural conservation policy in the face of tight budgets, competing interests, rapid technological change and private sector innovations?

The new U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) moved a giant step forward Thursday in its drive to deliver its pro-production-agriculture message to the American public, naming PR firm Ketchum as its primary communications agency.