Leaders of the Iowa Farm Bur­eau Federation, along with other state agricultural officials, last week applauded President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to serve as U.S. ambassador to China.

As the leader of the diplomatic mission to China, Branstad will be in an ideal position to promote sales of Iowa and U.S. farm products to China, the third largest and fastest growing market for American soybeans and other farm goods, Iowa farm leaders said. The Iowa governor’s knowledge of agriculture and strong personal relationship with Chinese President Xi ...