Overview
- Scott Bessent said he sold his soybean investment last week to meet an ethics agreement, completing the divestment ahead of a Dec. 15 extended deadline reported by Mint.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signaled a short-term “bridge” payment would launch next week, though the size and eligibility criteria have not been disclosed.
- Bessent said China is honoring new purchase commitments, with reporting citing roughly 12–12.5 million metric tons in soybean orders and prices near yearly highs.
- Public records show Bessent’s farm interest was an investment through a family partnership valued at $5 million to $25 million, with relatives operating the land rather than Bessent managing it.
- Despite improving market signals, Bessent argued farmers need near-term cash to finance next season and emphasized the importance of policy certainty.