Drones are becoming an increasingly important agricultural tool. Experts predict that global food production must double by 2050 in order to feed the world population. There will be many career opportunities in the future related to drone technology.

The Monroe Co. Cooperative Extension Service purchased a drone to help our clientele become more aware of the potential of drone technology in agriculture. The ANR Agent participated in three educational events where farmers and youth could learn more about drones. 

• Monroe Co. Farm Bureau Ag Field Day on 8-28-18 for all 137 fourth graders enrolled in Monroe Co. schools. 

• CPC Commodities Field Day on 9-6-18 with over 1,000 people in attendance. Thirty-seven people flew the drone while many more observed the 3 demos.

• Monroe Co. Agriculture Appreciation Field Day on 9-13-18 with 122 attendees. This was a collaborative effort with Monroe Co. Farm Bureau; Monroe Co. Conservation District, and the Monroe Co. Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the these three events, the ANR Agent taped three segments of the Farm & Home Show with Joanna Coles on drone technology that was potentially viewed by 20,000 viewers per segment on WBKO Channel 13.

Hundreds of people were able to take the controls and do some basic maneuvers with the drone. The vast majority of the kids and adults stated they had never flown a drone before, and most said they had never actually seen a drone in operation. It was an exciting learning experience for kids and grown-ups alike!