Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is leaving his position by the end of the year as he faces a growing list of investigations into his travel and political activity during his time.

The USDA announced Friday a 300,000 metric ton sale of U.S. soybeans to Chinese buyers, following a Thursday purchase announcement of 1.13 million tons.

Farms and businesses suffering from insufficient internet connectivity could get some help from a grant and loan program that USDA will launch in the new year with higher service requirements than the department originally proposed.

The USDA confirmed Thursday morning that China has purchased 1.13 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, ending months of virtually no purchases since the Chinese government levied a 25 percent tariff on soybeans, corn, wheat, sorghum and other ag commodities.

A new five-year farm bill that enhances existing programs while offering new assistance to less traditional forms of agriculture and legalizing industrial hemp easily won final congressional approval from the House on Wednesday, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature.