U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are in Malaysia today meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, as President Trump begins his Asia tour aiming to defuse tensions and revive U.S.-China trade talks. The meetings, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, precede a high-stakes bilateral between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for October 30 in South Korea.

Though recent U.S.-China talks have been dominated by national security and tech concerns, agriculture is re-entering the spotlight. Greer told CNBC that the administration is seeking a "good landing zone" that focuses on non-sensitive goods, but also confirmed that U.S. officials will press China on its failure to purchase U.S. soybeans and sorghum.

"China is specifically trying to hurt farmers," Greer said, signaling a shift in tone and priority. These tensions follow months of record-low Chinese purchases of key U.S. ag commodities, adding pressure to an already volatile farm economy.

Adding urgency to the talks, The New York Times reported the Trump administration may launch a Section 301 investigation into China's compliance with the Phase One trade deal. That move could justify new tariffs, potentially escalating the trade war just as markets hope for stability.

Meanwhile, at home, the administration's trade signals continue to send mixed messages to the ag community. Glynn Tonsor, an economist at Kansas State University, said the new plan to expand beef imports from Argentina won't significantly hurt U.S. ranchers-but it won't lower retail prices either.

"The ag community is confused," Tonsor said. "This announcement is inconsistent with prior policy and concerning for anyone making business plans."

Former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack endorsed the new beef plan, noting its roots in Biden-era programs like voluntary "Product of the USA" labeling and small processor grants. Still, he warned that cost savings and herd recovery take time, and don't immediately translate to cheaper consumer prices.

As the Asia tour unfolds, other ag-related developments include:

FSA offices reopen with limited staff, allowing core USDA services like disaster relief and farm loan processing to resume.

Experts warn seed tariffs could drive up 2026 costs, as supply chains stretch across multiple countries and seed companies struggle to absorb rising import fees.

Finally, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) weighed in with a blunt critique of the administration's trade messaging:

"I think the president would be better off if he would keep his mouth shut on that issue, not tweet about it," Grassley told reporters, referring to Trump's Argentine beef announcements.

For farmers, ag economists, and policymakers, the coming week could be pivotal. With soybeans, tariffs, and agricultural market access on the table, the outcomes of these U.S.-China talks may shape commodity prices and farm policy into 2026.