Agribusiness Update for Wednesday 12/18/13

According to the USDA, Nebraska has become the latest to be hit by a deadly pig virus, bringing the total number of states affected to 20. The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus had never been reported in North America until May, when it was discovered in the United States. To date, more than 1,500 cases, each of which could represent thousands of infected animals, have been reported in 20 states across the Hog Belt.

The Renewable Fuels Association is applauding the introduction of the Second Generation Biofuels Extension Act of 2013 by California Representative Scott Peters. The legislation would extend the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Credit and the Special Allowance for Second Generation Biofuel Plant Property. RFA President and CEO says Peters understands the need for Americans to have access to a renewable, low-cost alternative to gasoline.

Drones are quickly becoming indispensable for farming operations. A recent report says that experts are pointing at agriculture as the most promising commercial market for drones because the technology is a perfect fit for large-scale farms and vast rural areas where privacy and safety issues are less of a concern.

That's today's Agribusiness Update from the Ag Information Network.