November 10, 2026

Election Results Raise Questions About Farm Bill Negotiations

Democrats’ election gains in farm country are raising questions about farm policy and this year’s farm bill negotiations. Politico reports the party’s victories give Democrats control of the House and Senate Agriculture committees, while leaving them to develop an agriculture agenda and work with a White House that may be reluctant to cooperate. One question is whether the election will change farm bill negotiations before Congress adjourns. Leaders from both parties have said publicly they want a bipartisan agreement this year. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Republicans may consider compromise on a proposed extension of SNAP cost-sharing to secure enough votes for passage. Grassley also pointed to the potential for E15 legislation in a farm bill, saying expanded sales could put more money in farmers’ pockets. Multiple agriculture groups and leaders are anticipating yet another extension instead of a new farm bill.

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Peterson Sees Opportunity for Bipartisan Reset in Farm Policy

Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson says the recent election could create an opportunity to rebuild bipartisan cooperation on farm policy. The Minnesota Democrat, who served 15 terms in Congress, says agriculture policy cannot work effectively when controlled by just one party. “You’re going to end up going back and forth, and farmers are going to get whipsawed,” Peterson told Agri-Pulse. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp also says rural communities need stronger representation from both parties, pointing to concerns over tariffs, markets, and rising farm input costs. Peterson says Democratic victories in agriculture-heavy areas, including Iowa, should send a message to the White House that farmers are frustrated with political division and uncertainty. The election also raises questions about the future of farm bill negotiations. Leaders from both parties have pledged to work toward passage this year, but it remains unclear whether Democrats will wait until taking majority control next year to resume negotiations.

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NFU Urges Lawmakers to Act on Farmers’ Election Concerns

National Farmers Union says family farmers used this year’s elections to put rising production costs and market concerns in front of candidates, and the organization is urging lawmakers to act. NFU President Rob Larew says farmers raised concerns about high fuel, fertilizer, seed, and feed costs, tight margins, market concentration, and uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade. He says those issues now need attention from elected officials as Congress returns to work. Larew says farmers have waited too long for a new farm bill. He says the organization will push lawmakers to modernize farm policy, strengthen the farm safety net, and improve fairness and competition in agricultural markets. He also says the next generation needs a better opportunity to build a future in agriculture. Larew says Farmers Union members will continue making their voices heard when the new Congress gets to work.

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U.S. Presses China on Agricultural Purchase Commitments

U.S. trade officials are pressing China to follow through on commitments to purchase American agricultural products, as President Donald Trump prepares for another meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Adding to the diplomatic attention, China has confirmed it is discussing a possible meeting this month involving Xi, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen (shen-zhen). U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raised agricultural trade during a Friday video call with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to Greer’s office, he urged Beijing to take concrete steps to fulfill previous commitments, particularly involving agricultural purchases, rare earths, and other critical minerals. China’s official news agency described the discussions as in-depth and constructive, while saying China also raised concerns about U.S. economic and trade restrictions. The U.S. and China are maintaining a fragile trade truce that is scheduled to expire in January.

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USDA Launches Largest-Ever Trade Mission to Vietnam

USDA sent its largest-ever agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, looking to build on a market that purchased nearly $5.6 billion in U.S. agricultural and related products last year. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden will lead the mission this week to Ho Chi Minh City. The delegation includes 43 U.S. businesses, 37 agricultural trade and industry groups, and representatives from California, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Vietnam was the seventh-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2025. Exports increased 38 percent from 2024, according to USDA. Strong demand for U.S. cotton, soybeans, and feed ingredients is supporting Vietnam’s manufacturing and livestock sectors. USDA also sees opportunities for American fruit, dairy, and meat, along with corn and ethanol as Vietnam expands its biofuels market and ethanol blending requirements. Participants will meet with Vietnamese buyers, importers and distributors through business meetings, market briefings and site visits.

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American Sheep Industry Joins USDA Trade Mission to Vietnam

The American Sheep Industry Association joined USDA’s largest-ever agricultural trade mission to Vietnam this week, looking to expand export opportunities for American wool and other sheep products. ASI Executive Director Mike Michener will participate in the November 9th through 12th mission to Ho Chi Minh City. He’ll join representatives from 43 U.S. businesses and 37 agricultural trade organizations. Michener says Southeast Asia offers growing opportunities for American agricultural exports. He says the mission will help build relationships with potential trade partners and showcase the quality of U.S. wool. Michener previously served as administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, overseeing international agricultural trade and export promotion programs. ASI has worked with USDA to promote American wool and pelts in international markets, building relationships with buyers, processors, and manufacturers. The organization says those efforts are aimed at expanding exports, diversifying markets, and increasing awareness of American wool’s quality and versatility.

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