More Autonomous Tractors and China Buying More U.S. Goods
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson and this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Farm advocates may be closer to achieving regulatory changes that would clear the way for wider adoption of autonomous tractors.
Despite entrepreneurs from California developing cutting-edge technology used on farms around the world, the use of autonomous tractors is largely prohibited on California farms due to a 1977 workplace safety regulation.
Last November, the state impaneled an advisory committee to examine the issue, and regulators are expected to report later this month.
##Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award.
The winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on January 15, in Tifton, Georgia.
The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF and is open to any active Georgia peanut farmer 45 years old or younger.
Applications are due by Friday, December 5. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com
www.morningagclips.com/outstanding-georgia-young-peanut-farmer-award-2/
**After recent meetings between the two countries, China will suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including duties on some farm goods.
Reuters says China’s tariff commission eliminated duties of up to 15% imposed on some U.S. agricultural goods Monday.
Tariffs of 10% introduced in response to President Trump’s “Liberation Day” duties will stay in place.
Traders say despite the tariff cut, importers looking at U.S. soybeans still face a13% tariff.
**It’s important to remember two things about farmers’ cover crop adoption rates.
First, those adoption rates have ebbs and flows.
Second, sometimes conservation practices aren’t continued for many reasons.
According to Ag Economy Barometer Surveys, from 2021 to 25, respondents reporting cover crops ranged from 52% to 57% and averaged 53% in September.
Another 21% reported planting cover crops in the past but no longer use them.
