As the on-going W.T.O. Doha trade talks sputter, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman was busy this past week working towards progress in trips to both India and China.

While promoting stronger bi-lateral U.S. relationships, as well as seeking progress in the W.T.O. talks in both countries, Ambassador Portman’s trip to China provided more interesting news coverage.

Developments in U.S. farm policy this week included important legislative action in Congress, as well as a trip to Latin America by President Bush.

The Senate on Thursday passed a five-year budget reduction bill by a vote of 52 to 47.

The legislation, which is slated to garner budget saving of $35 billion, contained approximately $3 billion in cuts to agricultural programs.

Key developments in both the domestic and international arenas this past week are likely to have an impact on the future of federal farm policy.

I sure appreciate the hospitality afforded by AgWired, thanks so much for the opportunity to make some guest posts on your excellent blog.

As Chuck indicated earlier today, I’m Keith Good and I write about current farm policy news events at FarmPolicy.com. I’m a licensed attorney and stay-at-home parent who has been blogging about farm policy for nearly two years. I hope you find the farm policy updates useful.

Let’s give a great big AgWired welcome to Keith Good. Why? Because starting today Keith will be our first regular writer! Keith is a blogger and you can find him on FarmPolicy. He’s a policy and trade guy who will be bringing you a weekly summary of what’s new in the world of ag policy.