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TOP HEADLINES
The Trump era begins:
Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, ushering in a new era that most of official Washington is bracing for [The Hill].
Why rural America voted for Trump (opinion):
The Republican brand is strong in rural America — perhaps even strong enough to withstand a disastrous Trump presidency [New York Times].
TRUMP TRANSITION
Perdue a strong voice for agriculture, AFBF president says:
Finalizing his Cabinet only days before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Sonny Perdue, a former Georgia governor, for secretary of agriculture [OKAgPolicy].
Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue known for promoting trade (subscriber only):
Donald Trump’s pick to run the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, is a Georgia farm boy with a record of promoting U.S. meat and crops overseas, with fans in the Farm Belt and agribusiness corporate offices [Wall Street Journal].
Four insights into a Pruitt-led EPA:
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt on Wednesday faced a confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency [OKAgPolicy].
Perry makes his case to be next Energy Secretary:
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry promised senators today that he is capable of running the Energy Department and has changed some key beliefs since famously saying during a past presidential bid that the department should be abolished [Agri-Pulse].
REGULATORY
Agencies rush to publish rules before Trump takes office:
The Federal Register was overwhelmed Thursday with nearly 1,500 pages worth of rules from federal agencies [The Hill].
USDA definition of “organic” meat revised to include considerations of animal welfare:
The rule adds new requirements for organic livestock farmers, like giving the animals access to outdoor areas with grass (or at least soil; no parking lots) at least once a day, and the animals must have ready access to the outside [Consumerist].
MISCELLANEOUS
Bankers: Weak farm prices biggest threat to rural economy:
Bankers across Middle America say depressed farm commodity prices are the biggest threat to the economy this year in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states [Des Moines Register].
The 16 questions facing production agriculture in 2017:
There are always a number of important issues to consider ahead of any year, but 2017 seems to have lots of unknowns. More importantly, the questions facing production agriculture in 2017 seem to be more critical than years earlier [Agricultural Economic Insights].
