Compeer Ag Economist Megan Roberts and Ben Duncanson from Legislative Affairs navigate the resolution of the 43-day government shutdown as the House votes to reopen federal operations on November 12th. Ben explains the Senate-negotiated deal that extends government funding through a continuing resolution until January 30th, 2026, and includes a critical mini-bus appropriating USDA and FDA through September 2026. Learn why a full-year Farm Bill extension was unexpectedly included in the package, pushing comprehensive Farm Bill 2.0 provisions into next year while extending the 2018 Farm Bill framework once again. Megan breaks down the landmark China trade agreement committing to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans before year-end and 25 million metric tons annually for three years starting in 2026. The episode covers what to expect from the delayed November WASDE report releasing November 14th, historical context on soybean acreage expansion since the 1930s compared to corn, and ongoing discussions about ad hoc assistance payments to bridge farmers through the margin squeeze until new Farm Bill provisions take effect. Ben and Megan also analyze the Federal Reserve's second consecutive rate cut of 25 basis points in October and the 60-40 split among experts on whether another cut will come at the December meeting despite persistent inflation above the 2% target.