Drones are becoming an important agricultural tool just like the tractor. The use of drones in farming is part of precision agriculture. Drones are playing major roles in meeting the challenges of feeding a growing world population. It has been predicted by experts that global food production must double by 2050 in order to feed the world population. Drone technology can help meet the world’s future needs for a safe and health food supply.

Drones are helping farmers develop more sustainable ways of producing our food and fiber. Crop producers can save time and money by mapping fields and varying the application rates of pesticides and fertilizers to crop fields. This is also better for the environment. Livestock producers are using drones to remotely monitor their cattle; scout fences for damage after storms; and to observe things that cannot be seen from the ground.

The Monroe Co. Extension Service purchased a DJI Phantom 4 drone to use in our educational programs in order to help our clientele become more aware of the uses of drone technology in agriculture. The ANR Agent participated in three events where farmers and youth could fly the drone themselves. These events were:

1. Monroe Co. Farm Bureau Ag Field Day on 8-29-17 for all 156 fourth graders in Monroe Co.

2. CPC Commodities Field Day on 9-7-18 with over 1,000 people in attendance. 81 flew the drone while many more observed the 3 demos.

3. Monroe Co. 4-H Farm Reality Store & Safety Day Camp for all 147 sixth graders in Monroe Co.

The vast majority of the kids and adults stated they had never flew a drone before, and most said they had never actually seen a drone in operation before. In addition to the these three events, the ANR Agent taped a segment of the Farm & Home Show with Joanna Coles on drone technology that was potentially viewed by 20,000 viewers on WBKO Channel 13.