By Blake Jackson
Farmers and ranchers in the Ozark region have an opportunity to learn about incorporating drones into their operations at a free event scheduled for July 25 in Potosi.
“Drones are transforming the way that farmers manage their ground,” says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins. “While drones are not commonly used in the Ozarks, there are still uses that Ozark farmers can take advantage of.”
The event will feature demonstrations showing how producers can apply drones and the newest technology for spraying herbicides and seeding crops.
Attendees will also hear discussions comparing the costs of drone technology with traditional farming and ranching methods.
Interest in agricultural drones is on the rise. Hopkins notes that, according to the American Spray Drone Coalition, the number of acres sprayed with drones in the U.S. jumped from 4 million in 2023 to 10.3 million in 2024.
This educational session will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at 18570 State Highway F in Potosi. Those interested can register online at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/drones-utilizing-for-your-ozark-farm.
For additional information, contact Rachel Hopkins at 573-438-2671 or by email at hopkinsrm@umsystem.edu.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Missouri, Education