7 Ag Tech Advancements from 2018

By: Laurie Bedord, previously published by Successful farming

This past year was another banner year for ag tech advancements. From drones to blockchain, the myriad innovations developed by the seven companies that follow help farmers better manage their businesses now and into the future.

  1. AeroVironment Develops a Complete Drone Package

According to research firm Global Market Insights, the market for agricultural drones will top $1 billion by 2024, up from about $338 million in 2016. Continue reading

Net Farm Income Expected to Drop 12% This Year, USDA Says

By: Tony Dreibus, Successful Farming

Net farm income, a gauge of profits, is expected to drop 12% year-over-year in 2018 amid low crop prices and rising expenses, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a report on Friday.

Profits are pegged at $66.3 billion this year, down from $75.4 billion in 2017, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). Adjusted for inflation, the decline will be 14%. Continue reading

Trying To Beat Buzzer, Ag Groups Sign Letter In Hopes of TPP Rejoin

By: Ashley Davenport, Farm Journal

Three days after President Trump was inaugurated, one of his first exercises of presidential power was withdrawing the U.S. from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The remaining 11 nations are expected to sign the final trade agreement in March, and now U.S. farmers and ranchers are pushing for a last-minute rejoin. Continue reading