The incoming Donald Trump administration has a ban in place preventing lobbyists from working in the administration. Chris Novak, National Corn Growers Association CEO, says that’s going to present challenges. Novak tells Brownfield that lobbyists are important because they know the in’s and outs of Washington and how it works to get things passed. He says, “It’s simply a lot of missing expertise that will make it more challenging for the Trump administration to succeed.” Novak says Trump will need people that know how to build consensus to get things done because of the slight majorities that Republicans hold in the new Congress. “The Republicans do have a 58 to 42 majority in the Senate,” said Novak, “but with the new filibuster laws, sometimes it takes 60 votes to get things done. That means President-elect Trump is going to have to work with Democrats. That’s going to mean negotiation and compromise.”

Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst released a statement regarding the appointment of Chris Chinn as the Missouri Director of Agriculture “We are pleased with Governor-Elect Greiten’s choice of Chris Chinn as the next Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Chris is a respected, nationally-known advocate for agriculture, a successful hog farmer and an exceptional appointment to lead Missouri’s Agriculture Department.” Chris Chinn serves on the Missouri Farm Bureau State Board of Directors and is also a former chairperson of the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. “We also commend the current Director of Agriculture, Richard Fordyce, for his excellent leadership and service to Missouri agriculture.”

Consumers are paying less for food this year as the Consumer Price Index for grocery store items is 2.3 percent lower than last year, all while biodiesel production is higher than ever. The National Biodiesel Board says: “More biodiesel production helps the food supply, despite what opponents incorrectly claim.” Biodiesel production has grown steadily most years since Congress enacted the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. The Biodiesel Board expects a more than 2.6-billion-gallon biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel market in the U.S. in 2016 – a record. Biodiesel can be produced from any fat or vegetable oil, including recycled cooking oil, animal fats and soybean oil. By creating a market and value for unwanted soybean oil, biodiesel decreases soy protein meal prices by $20-40 per ton, according to a study by Informa Economics. This helps livestock producers with feed prices, and ultimately helps consumers in the price they pay for meat.

Consuming red meat in amounts above what is typically recommended does not affect short-term cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol, according to a new review of clinical trials from Purdue University. While during the last 20 years, there have been recommendations to eat less red meat as part of a healthier diet, red meat can be incorporated into a healthier diet, according to researcher Wayne Campbell. The research by Campbell shows that consuming more than half a serving per day of red meat, which is equivalent to a three-ounce serving three times per week, did not worsen blood pressure and blood total cholesterol. The research includes all types of red meat, mostly unprocessed beef and pork.

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association last week requested an update on the status of trade negotiations with China about the export of U.S. beef. In a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, USCA points out that an official from China in September announced in a speech in New York that Chinese consumers should no longer be denied the choice to dine on U.S. beef. The letter requests an update on the status of those negotiations and encourages the administration to reach out to stakeholders for input and feedback. China currently consumes around 13 percent of the world’s beef and is expected to increase their imports of red meat by nearly 24 percent in 2016, as compared to previous years.

Canada’s trade minister says the world-leading trade relationship between Canada and the United States does not need to be on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s list of things to fix once he takes office. Chrystia Freeland told The Canadian Press last week the trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada “is very balanced and mutually beneficial.” Freeland visited Washington earlier this month and met with some senior Trump advisers and Republican senators, including Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. Her message was to remind a new Congress and administration in Washington, D.C. the $2.4 billion a day that crosses the 49th parallel is good for both countries. Nine million Americans depend directly on exports to Canada, while 35 states have Canada as their top customer, according to Freeland.