In 2019, the attention of farm country was keenly focused on international trade developments, and the Trump administration’s efforts to lessen their blow on producers, according to an analysis of Agri-Pulse's website traffic throughout the year.

The 2014 farm bill ended direct payments to farmers, but the use of the Market Facilitation Program raises questions about how producers will be compensated during hard times.

Producers will have an extra week to sign up for Dairy Margin Coverage and the Market Facilitation Program.

Farmers getting more trade aid * Key week ahead for USMCA?

More trade aid on the way * Does ag labor bill have Senate ‘buy-in’? * USDA defends hemp testing

USDA is preparing to fund the second round of payments under the 2019 Market Facilitation Program as early as late November or early December, but Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is hopeful a third round won't be needed.

US-China negotiators report ‘headway’ * Senate votes on USDA amendments

A House stopgap spending bill aimed at avoiding an Oct. 1 government shutdown would ensure that trade assistance to farmers continues and also would bolster specialty crop research and fund USDA’s coming hemp program.

Under pressure from rural lawmakers, House Democratic leaders are expected to ensure USDA can continue making trade assistance payments to farmers after the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.