President Trump is expected to sign an initial trade deal with China on Wednesday morning, bringing the first chapter of a protracted and economically damaging fight with the world’s second-largest economy to a close. (The New York Times)

Farmers still have time to make planting decisions for the 2020 crop. (FarmWeekNow)

Hemp growers and entrepreneurs who were joyous a year ago after U.S. lawmakers reclassified the plant as a legal agricultural crop now are worried their businesses could be crippled if federal policymakers move ahead with draft regulations. (ABC News)

“Chinese officials have repeatedly said that the purchases will be market-based, and a lot of analysts have interpreted that to mean that the Chinese government won’t necessarily be directing purchases, but rather that the purchases will be made on their merit,” AFBF Economist Veronica Nigh said. “That means that in order to sell more U.S. products, the U.S. is going to have to win market share away from other competitors.” (Farm Bureau)

China customs vice minister Zou Zhiwu said Tuesday that China’s imports from the United States rebounded in November and December, and that positive U.S.-China trade sentiment has boosted companies’ confidence in December. (Reuters)

President Trump’s supporters nodded approvingly last week as Mr. Trump extolled the “big, beautiful monster” of a trade deal that he will sign with China on Wednesday. (The New York Times)