Ag News, Thursday January 21, 2016

WOTUS Veto Override Vote Planned in the Senate for Thursday

While President Obama vetoed a resolution to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. rule, the Senate will vote on an override Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Wednesday afternoon that the Senate will vote this (Thursday) morning on overriding the veto. It is thought however that the Senate does not have enough votes to complete the override. The expected veto came at the displeasure of agriculture groups, many of which call the rule an overreach of power by the EPA. Republicans were unable to muster veto-proof, two-thirds majorities in either the House or Senate, but GOP leaders believe the measure will serve to highlight election-year differences between the parties, according to Agri-Pulse.

Farmers could Boost Drone Sales

A new study suggests agriculture could represent nearly half of the growing market for commercial drones. AgWeb reports that a survey by Juniper Research found sales of commercial drone sales could jump from $261 million in 2015 to $481 million this year, with 48% expected to come from agricultural applications. Drones, known as unmanned aircraft systems, are used by growers and agronomist, along with crop insurers to survey fields, assess growing conditions and plant health, and evaluate crop damage. The Federal Aviation Administration recently announced new regulations regarding the use of drones.  In December, the FAA said all drones between a half pound and 55 pounds need to be registered with the agency. Existing owners must do so by February 19th; those who purchased drones after December 21st, 2015, must register before their first outdoor flights. For now, farmers who expect to use their drones for commercial use will need to submit a paper form.

Farm Bureau, Vilsack, Support Senate Child Nutrition Legislation Goals

The American Farm Bureau Federation told Senate Agriculture Committee leaders that it supports the goals of the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016. In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, AFBF said the legislation “improves flexibility for school lunch programs and reinforces dietary guidelines which include dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, and grains.” The Senate scheduled an initial markup of the bill this week. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also supported the legislation, saying “the Senate's bill is a win for children, parents, schools and for our country's future.” Vilsack noted that the bill maintains the commitment to science-based nutrition standards for school meals and protects the advancements made in children's health since the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

NAFB News