Bill Tomson

Chinese buyers made another large purchase commitment for U.S. corn this week, snapping up 1.7 million metric tons for delivery in the 2020-21 marketing year, according to a daily export sale report released Thursday by the USDA.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled a confirmation hearing next Tuesday for Ag Secretary-nominee Tom Vilsack.

Tom Vilsack’s return to USDA has been on hold for reasons because of delays in getting the 50-50 Senate organized. But incoming Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow tells Agri-Pulse she hopes to get Vilsack’s nomination for agriculture secretary approved “as soon as possible” once she takes over the committee.

U.S. beef exports to Japan have been very good in recent months — maybe too good. The Japanese have imported so much U.S. beef, it’s looking like they will hit a “safeguard trigger” designed to protect domestic producers with a tariff.

The USDA Tuesday reported a daily export sale of 1.36 million metric tons of U.S. corn for delivery to China in the 2020-21 marketing year, a strong sign that the country’s demand remains robust as it rebuilds its swine herd.

The House Agriculture Committee is adding seven new Republican members. All but one, Texas Rep. Michael Cloud, are first-term members. The others: Kat Cammack of Florida, Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota, Tracy Mann of Kansas, Mary Miller of Illinois and Barry Moore of Alabama.

President Joe Biden is looking to get more members of his Cabinet in place this week, even as the top priority on his agenda, a COVID-19 relief package, is getting a rocky reception from Senate Republicans.

Floyd Gaibler passed away Thursday afternoon, leaving behind a rich history of passionate defense for American farmers during his career at the USDA, U.S. Grains Council, International Dairy Foods Association, the Lesher and Russell consulting firm and elsewhere.

Brazil is making it known that the Bolsonaro administration wants a strong relationship with the U.S., but the friendly words come amid rising U.S. frustration over Brazil’s ethanol tariffs.

The balance of power in the nation’s capital has shifted; Democrats now control both the presidency and Congress for the first time in a decade.