Crop condition declines again with varied weather conditions across the country. The USDA says the winter wheat harvest is 40% done, 15 points ahead of the average pace. 

China and Brazil have expanded trade deals to include a number of industries including agriculture. The country is also amending domestic policy that may reduce sales of used cooking oil. 

Members of congress continue to set their sites on approving farm and nutrition legislation. Agri-Pulse's Lydia Johnson gathered comments from key leaders this week on Capitol Hill. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley took his turn at criticizing the Democratic farm bill proposal submitted by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow. He says the work will have to be done next year. 

Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released a near 1,400 page farm bill draft today and spoke from the chamber floor to support her bipartisan plan. 

President-elect Trump has yet to appoint a Secretary of Agriculture, but one possible candidate spoke to farm broadcasters meeting in Kansas City Friday, and ethanol producers are more optimistic about the Summit Carbon pipeline project with approval from North Dakota