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CBC Podcast: Why Can't I Fix My Tractor?

 
Down on the farm, there's a controversy brewing, because farm equipment manufacturer John Deere doesn't want farmers tinkering with the software on the farmers' own tractors. Spark contributor Sean Prpick talks to Saskatchewan farmer Chris Herrnbock, who wants to see a more flexible and farmer-friendly policy rather than a copyright crackdown.
 
 
 
This week, the US Copyright Office issued an exemption that makes it legal to diagnose, repair and "lawfully" modify vehicles, including tractors. The exemption begins a year from now. No word yet on what this means in Canada. Thanks to Spark listener David Kucher who pointed us to this helpful iFixit article explaining the changes.
 
 
 
This new copyright issue is becoming an important discussion topic with farmers.
Here is a link to a discussion forum started by Chris H.
 
 
 
Source : CBC

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Ag Policy Agenda

Video: Ag Policy Agenda

Today it has been a busy couple of weeks in our Nation's Capital as our government is switching administrations. That means a lot of new faces and policies to get acquainted with in the year ahead. We were joined earlier this week by Nebraska Extension Policy Specialist Brad Lubben to discuss how this new administration could shape future Ag policy.