Autonomous Tractors and 2023 Farm Bill Feedback
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.**Could the portrait of a farmer on a tractor become a thing of the past?
Probably not, but autonomous tractors are becoming more attractive to farmers looking to remain productive amid labor shortages.
New driverless tractors can be monitored through smartphone apps or office computers, with live video feeds you can check for issues in the field.
Manufacturers are also touting autonomous machines for applying crop protection materials without worker exposure.
**Leadership of the House Ag Committee announced an online form to gather farmer feedback for consideration in the 2023 farm bill.
House Ag Chairman David Scott says, “This is a chance to hear directly from farmers, ranchers and foresters across the nation.”
In addition to the feedback gathered online, the House Ag Committee will continue to conduct hearings in Washington,
DC and hold listening sessions across the country.
The online form is available on the House Ag Committee website … www.agriculture.house.gov
**U.S. residents are scooping less of their favorite frozen treats than two decades ago.
In 2020, USDA’s Economic Research Service reports Americans consumed about 21 pounds per person of frozen dairy products, about five pounds per capita less than in 2000.
Consumption of regular ice cream in 2020 was estimated at 12.7 pounds per person, a decrease of about 3.4 pounds from 2000.