Commercial use of drones

The final rule released by the Federal Aviation Administration this week regarding drones will benefit agriculture. American Farm Bureau Federation congressional relations director RJ Carney says the rule allows for the commercial use of unmanned aerial systems otherwise known as drones: "This is a specific rule that is allowed for the commercial flight for business purposes and can allow for the exchange of money for the purposes of using drones for a variety of industries ranging from agriculture, utility inspections, roofing, insurance claims and a litany of other potential uses. Drones have the potential to provide farmers and ranchers more timely and detailed scouting information. It also allows farmers to catch potential problems before they develop into catastrophic issues, thereby optimizing yields, lowering the environmental impact and also providing greater efficiency."

Elsewhere, The Port of Seattle is experiencing the impact of Hanjin's bankruptcy and consumers might also. The South Korean shipping giant filed for bankruptcy protection last Wednesday. Because assets are being frozen, ships from China to Canada are being refused permission to offload or take aboard containers because there are no guarantees tugboat pilots or stevedores will be paid. There has been one reported board seizure since the news broke, the Associated Press reports.