Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
Backers Say Drones Will Prove Useful for Farmers
(AP)-- Agricultural interest in using unmanned drones to help monitor millions of acres of crops is growing.
The Des Moines Register reports that supporters believe using drones on farms makes sense because the operations are generally large and in rural areas.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International predicts that 80 percent of the commercial use of drones will eventually be in agriculture.
Drones with infrared cameras and other sensors can help identify insect problems and watering issues early. They can also help assess crop yields and locate missing cattle.
Farmer Brent Johnson bought a drone last year to study how the topography of his 900-acre central Iowa farm affects yields.
He says using the drone helps him decide whether to replant an area or avoid it in the future.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hartman earns prison in embezzlement sentencing
Brown, Doniphan, Jackson & Nemaha Co election results
Nortonville woman killed in wrong-way crash
Sabetha man facing multiple charges
Voters oust incumbents in Atchison school board race
Boil water advisory: part lifted, part remains in place
Leavenworth man killed in crash
Grinder blamed for Falls City shop building fire
Tribe responds to former Chair's prison sentence
Atchison teen injured in motorcycle crash
Write-in candidates win Horton City, school board positions
KDOT to host open house for U.S. 75 expansion study
Atchison in need of new Municipal Court Judge
Falls City Council votes down wage proposal
Chamber announces new Hall of Famers
New museum set to open in Highland
Pawnee County K9 officer resigns
LATEST STORIES
New museum set to open in Highland
Grinder blamed for Falls City shop building fire
Pawnee County K9 officer resigns
Boil water advisory lifted for Doniphan Co RWD 3
Falls City Council approves resolution on land acquisition
Tribe responds to former Chair's prison sentence
Write-in candidates win Horton City, school board positions
Hiawatha, Ks 66434