Drone Rules Change and USDA Reorganization Criticized
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A coalition of advocacy, legal, and photojournalists are urging the FAA to reject a proposal that would allow large livestock operations and slaughterhouses to restrict drone flights over their facilities.
The groups say allowing Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions would limit aerial photography that has documented manure spills, disease outbreaks, livestock housing conditions, and other issues at large animal operations.
They contend additional flight restrictions would reduce transparency.
**Senate Ag Committee Democrats are warning that a proposed reorganization of USDA’s Rural Development area could limit access to critical programs.
Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Peter Welch of Vermont, and 20 colleagues, say the plan could impact services that support rural businesses, housing, health clinics, childcare, water systems, electric projects, and broadband expansion.
The senators say Rural Development needs enough experienced staff to process applications and deliver funding.
**USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are coming for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs and disaster recovery.
The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers are due August 7, while the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline is August 12.
Eligible landowners also have until August 31 to review potential base-acre increases for the Agriculture Risk and Price Loss Coverage programs.
