Need a quick catch up on the news? Here are seven agricultural stories you might have missed this week.

1. Sonny Perdue, the former governor of Georgia, has been nominated as the next secretary of agriculture. Commodity groups were quick to offer support for Perdue. – Farm Futures 

2. The latest Farm Futures survey of 2017 planting intentions shows a massive acreage shift could be in the works. Growers said they intend to plant 90.52 million acres of soybeans this spring, easily a record and 8.5% more than in 2016. If achieved, soybeans would attract more acres than corn for the first time since 1983. Results of the survey of 1,060 producers from 40 states were released Jan. 19. – Farm Futures

3. Robotic devices like lettuce thinners and grape-leaf pullers are replacing human hands on many U.S. farms as farmers cope with the lack of immigration reform. – Bloomberg

4. USDA announced a final rule that clarifies production requirements for organic livestock and poultry and establishes minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for poultry. Sen. Pat Roberts pledged to change the rule. – Farm Futures

5. Comments are sought through March 20 on a proposed organic checkoff. The proposed Organic Research, Promotion and Information Order would cover certified organic products and would include a range of agricultural commodities and non-food items. – Farm Futures

6. Muscle cuts of venison and ground venison may be added to the County of Origin Labeling law. Comments accepted through March 14. – Farm Futures

7. Animal welfare organizations expect to work with food retailers to develop standards for animal welfare in 2017- San Francisco Chronicle

And your bonus: The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45^th president of the United States is today. For the first time ever, according to Max Armstrong, there will be tractors in the Inauguration Day parade. The parade, "We the People: Our American Journey," will be broadcast live on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC beginning at 3 p.m. ET. – Farm Futures