By PAT MELGARES
K-State Research and Extension News Service
Kansas farmers will soon have the opportunity to explore the use of drones in agriculture at a public meeting on Sept. 10 in Garnett. Hosted by the Frontier Extension District and Coffey County Extension Office, the meeting titled *Using Drone Technology in Agriculture* will offer insights into how drones can enhance agricultural production.
The event is co-sponsored by the Anderson County and Coffey County conservation districts. There is no cost to attend, but interested individuals must register by calling Ryan Schaub at 785-448-6826 or emailing him at [email protected].
“In our area, we have seen a growing interest in how to start businesses that use drones for spraying herbicides and insecticides on fields,” said Schaub, a crop production and farm management agent with K-State Research and Extension’s Frontier District. “These inquiries often lead to further questions about regulations and which drones are best suited for purchase.”
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global agriculture drone market was valued at $4.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $6.11 billion by the end of 2024. By 2032, the market is forecasted to reach $23.78 billion.
“The farmers I talk to are asking about how to use drones for various tasks like spreading cover crops or spraying insecticides on small acreage row crop ground,” Schaub said. “There are also numerous other applications, such as checking cattle during calving season or spraying herbicide on hilly pastures.”
In addition to live drone demonstrations, the Sept. 10 meeting will feature several expert speakers. Spencer Schrader, the flight operations manager for K-State Salina’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program, will discuss industry regulations, types of drones, and making aerial applications with drones. Jaymelynn Farney, a beef systems specialist with K-State Research and Extension, will present her research on using drones to measure pasture biomass. Trevor Witt, owner of Kairos Geospatial, will cover practical applications of drone remote sensing for natural resource conservation. Kelly Nainsky-Wenzel from the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s pesticide and fertilizer division will discuss KDA’s role when drones are used to apply herbicides. Haley Larson, a professor at K-State Olathe, will speak on using drones in feedyards and emerging technologies in agriculture.
“Each speaker brings unique, hands-on experience in using drones for various applications,” Schaub noted. “For attendees, learning about the diverse ways the same equipment can be utilized helps justify their investment.”
For more details, visit [Frontier Extension District's website](https://www.frontierdistrict.k-state.edu).