Farmer perceptions of improved current conditions in the agricultural economy pushed the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer to all-time record highs. The barometer rose to 168 in February, an increase of one point from January, and up 18 points since December. (FarmWeekNow)  

You’ve heard of police dogs, but what about agriculture dogs? “A lot of people aren’t aware that there are dogs trained specifically to find agricultural material and help protect agriculture in general,” said Samantha Tomlinson, K-9 handler for the Fresno County Department of Agriculture. Tomlinson and her K-9 partner go through terminal facilities to survey packages for potential ag products. (ABC 11)

The USDA has announced the provision of $100 million for infrastructure projects to encourage increased sales of higher biofuel blends. Funding will be awarded through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). (Biofuels International)

Chinese importers have been applying for – and getting – tariff exemptions to buy U.S. dairy products as a result of the “phase one” trade agreement, said U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack. Some of the applications to buy tariff-free dairy products, including skim milk powder, sweet whey, whey protein concentrate, lactose and cheese have already been granted, Vilsack said. (Agri-Pulse)  

The House of Representatives passed the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act (S. 1822). The DATA Act requires broadband providers to report more specific data to create a significantly more accurate and granular National Broadband Map. With more precise data, federal agencies can target funding to areas that need it most. (Feed and Grain)  

During Agriculture Safety Awareness Week, the Minnesota Farm Bureau president has some tips for farmers to help them stay safe when working in and around their grain bins. “The best thing to do is not to work alone. Always have somebody (along) when you can. There are times it doesn’t work out that way but for grain bin specific, we really can’t be working alone, especially when we’re having issues with grain quality.” More tips from Farm Bureau.