- Author: Konrad Mathesius
Growers, if you have ever wished that there were more resources for the crops you grow in your rotations, take a minute to fill out the Ag Census survey. This is essentially your vote on USDA spending. This is a way for growers to get priority in policy, funding, and research. The deadline was originally February 5th, but they have extended the submission period seeing as only a quarter of growers have responded. You can get an extension for March 27th by calling 800.727.9540.
All of your information is kept confidential. Again, consider this a way to vote for growers such as yourselves.
- Author: Konrad Mathesius
I can fix most things on my Ford Ranger. It's about three parts more complicated than a 1960s VW beetle. When I can't fix it, I don't have to take it to a Ford dealer. This is because a pile of ‘right-to-repair' legislation was introduced in the early 2000s that eventually culminated in an automotive industry agreement to provide the same access to information to third parties as they would to dealers.
The initial agreement only extended to cars and trucks. As such, advocates for the repair industry have begun pushing for folks to expand legislation to include agricultural machinery and phones. Envision a high-tech computer in a new tractor that incessantly beeps at you for some reason but can only be serviced by a tech...