The discussion of drones in the ag world is at an all time high. Universities across the country are conducting research of all kinds enabling more opportunities. However, those in the agricultural community are not the only ones interested in investing in the future of drone technology.

USA Today reported that ten news media companies partnered with Virginia Tech to test small unmanned drones to be used in the gathering of news. A few included in the partnership are Gannett, The New York Times Co. and the Associated Press. The research will center around “safety testing of a series of real-life scenarios in which drones will be flown in collecting photos and videos at remote sites.”

“Unmanned aircraft systems can provide this industry a safe, efficient, timely and affordable way to gather and disseminate information and keep journalists out of harm’s way,” Rose Mooney, executive director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, said in a statement.

What does this mean for those of use involved in the agricultural industry? Time will tell, but the growth and awareness of the potential of drone technology is spreading. This could mean more opportunities for ag even sooner then we thought.