Methane power: Farm equipment maker New Holland introduced “the world’s first 100 percent methane-powered production tractor,” which can run on biomethane generated on the farm from agricultural or livestock waste. (Successful Farming)
Shades for canals: The Turlock Irrigation District in California’s Central Valley will conduct a first-in-the-nation test by placing solar panels atop irrigation canals to cut evaporation losses and operating costs for the canals while generating renewable power. (Turlock Journal)
Carbon pipeline loophole: Although state officials regulate petroleum pipelines in Minnesota, they have no authority over Summit Carbon Solutions’ plan for a carbon dioxide pipeline. Instead, counties along the pipeline’s route will decide on permits. (Agweek)
More equitable treatment: Black farmers have withstood generations of discrimination, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, marking Black History Month on social media. “We have begun re-evaluating USDA’s decades-old programs and processes from top to bottom to more equitably serve all of America’s producers,” he wrote. (Vilsack)
Europe and carbon farming: The European Commission, which has laid out plans to reward farmers for carbon sequestration, is expected to propose legislation by the end of this year to create a Europe-wide framework for promoting carbon farming. (Euractiv)