California Drone Applications Easier and Tractor Sales Higher

**Farmers will soon face fewer obstacles getting approved to use drones for aerial applications thanks to a new law that modernizes the California Department of Pesticide’s certification process.

Growers of various commodities appreciate the technology’s ability to improve worker safety, lower labor costs and boost crop yields.

But farmers say an outdated regulatory process made it difficult to get licensed to use drones to spray pesticides and biological treatments.

**A new survey from the United Soybean Board reveals valuable insights into consumer preferences and purchasing practices for animal protein, particularly pork products.

According to the survey, 70% said animal diet is extremely or very important to them when purchasing meat, up from 51% in 2019.

The study found 88% of consumers are more likely to purchase meat from animals born, bred and raised in the United States.

**Unit sales of four-wheel-drive ag tractors experienced a notable upswing in both the U.S. and Canada in September, closing the third quarter in a strong position.

The latest monthly data from the Association of Equipment

Manufacturers shows 100-plus two-wheel-drive tractors, and four-wheel-drive tractors grew year-over-year in the U.S.

Both segments, along with combines, remain positive for the year.

Overall sales of U.S. tractors are down 4.3% compared to September of last year.