The federal government narrowly avoided a shutdown in the wee hours of Dec. 21, 2024, when the American Relief Act of 2025 was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Importantly for the agriculture industry, the act also includes a second extension of the 2018 Farm Bill and $2.5 billion in additional aid that will be distributed through the USDA.

Last week was an abundance of activity to conclude the 118th Congress, as a potential government shutdown loomed over Friday. By the end, an agreement was reached to not only temporarily fund federal operations, but also extend the farm bill.

A short-term budget agreement passed by Congress early Saturday morning averted a government shutdown after a chaotic week in the U.S. House. In the process of passing the three-month agreement to continue funding the federal government until March 14, lawmakers also extended the 2018 farm bill for another full year. The agreement also provides more than $110 billion in disaster relief to areas still recovering from hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

Here are some of the main stories that affected beef and ag industries in the past year.

In the news this week: CARB approves Low Carbon Fuel Standard program updates, DFA plans to stop production at Indiana condensing plant in January, checkoff launches new conservation resource, and DCRC annual meeting addresses sustainable dairy cattle management practices.

In the Economic Update, we look at the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, the latest GDT trade event results, FSA interest rates for October and a weakening farmer sentiment.

In the news this week, Colorado is mandating weekly bulk tank testing for HPAI in milk for all commercial dairy herds. More than 500 organizations call for action on the new farm bill and reports are released for dairy markets and beef-on-dairy.