By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension is hosting a day-long event on Saturday, May 10, in Montgomery City, offering discussion and hands-on training on drone use in Missouri agriculture.
Specialists will cover the types of drones utilized in farming and the necessary remote pilot requirements. The program will showcase the capabilities of both small and large utility drones for tasks like spraying and spreading, alongside entrepreneurial applications.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Merchants Building at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (700 S. Sturgeon, Montgomery City). The morning will feature classroom lectures and discussions, followed by a catered lunch.
The afternoon will transition to practical field exercises, providing attendees with training in manual flight maneuvers for small and large drones, as well as autonomous mission planning and execution for drone imaging, spraying, and spreading.
Organizers aim for attendees to gain a solid understanding of drone applications in Missouri agriculture, the required licenses and certifications, aircraft performance basics, weather and safety considerations, imaging and mapping tools, calibration of sprayer and spreader functions on utility drones, and manual flight controls.
The $175 registration fee includes training, materials, and lunch. Preregistration is required by noon on Friday, May 9, for accurate catering and material preparation. Interested individuals can register at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/opportunities-for-drones-in-missouri-agriculture-0.
For further details, contact Rusty Lee, MU Extension field specialist in agronomy for Montgomery County, at 573-564-3733 or leerw@missouri.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Education