California Rethinks Autonomous Equipment Ban and New Bird Flu Strategy
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**During the past half-century, new agricultural technologies like aerial drones, autonomous tractors and other equipment have changed the way crops around the world are planted, cared for and harvested.
But in California, a regulation has prohibited the use of autonomous agricultural equipment without a driver at the helm.
After years of farm group advocacy, the agency’s standards board has an advisory committee examining the regulation, a sign it might be revised.
**The Trump administration is rolling out a new strategy to combat avian influenza, moving away from mass culling of infected flocks.
www.agweb.com reports spearheaded by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan prioritizes enhanced biosecurity measures and medication to control the spread of the virus.
Zoetis received conditional approval for a bird flu vaccine.
The National Chicken Council warns vaccinating flocks could hinder poultry exports.
www.agweb.com/news/livestock/poultry/trump-administration-shifts-strategy-avian-flu?
**In Brooke Rollins' first week as Ag Secretary, she addressed 600 farmers, ranchers and industry leaders at the Top Producer Summit in Kansas City.
www.agrimarketing.com reports high on Rollins' priority list was the topic of trade and the President’s vision for U.S. agriculture, but noted “farmer and rancher concerns about trade tariffs are legitimate.”
Rollins says a key objective is to find and expand market access for U.S. ag products domestically and abroad.
www.agrimarketing.com/s/152725
