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<\/a><\/figure>\nGet the latest agriculture news in today\u2019s AgNet News Hour. <\/p>\n
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss the USDA\u2019s approval of permanent line speed increases for poultry and pork sectors, based on a successful pilot program since November 2021. The National Pork Producers Council and National Chicken Council support the decision, citing no increased risk to food safety or worker injuries.\u00a0 However, the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union opposes it, fearing higher injury rates. The USDA will update regulations to ensure safety, including ergonomic program guidelines. The segment also highlighted the increasing automation in agriculture and the importance of maintaining food supply as the population grows.<\/p>\n
On the second segment, Lorrie and Nick discuss the Smoke Exposure Research Act<\/a>, a bipartisan bill introduced by US Senators Alex Padilla and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Mike Thompson and Doug LaMalfa. The bill aims to protect wine grape growers from wildfire smoke damage by allocating $32.5 million annually for five years to research smoke taint and develop risk management methods. es 4,800 wineries and nearly 6,000 growers.<\/p>\n