Next Generation Smart Commercial Drones

Kelly Marshalldrone, Research, technology, UAV

Big Market Research has completed a new study of Smart Commerical Drones.  This next generation of drones will have better technology, support high quality video, improved stability, reliability, and navigation, softer landings, longer flights, and the ability to carry loads. The term “smart” can be applied to drones that have sensors and software which allows for automated response to a … Read More

PrecisionHawk Drones Soar Over a Field Near You

Joanna SchroederAerial Imagery, Audio, drone, Farm Progress Show, UAV

For the first time during the Farm Progress Show there was a dedicated area for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the drones were grounded, but that did not stop me, or others, from learning about their precision ag applications and benefits. I spoke with Pat Lohman, VP of partnerships with PrecisionHawk, to … Read More

Husker Harvest is Right Around the Corner

Kelly MarshallEvents, UAV

The 38th annual Husker Harvest Days are set for September 15-17 in Grand Island, Neb.  Last year farmers and ranchers for 28 states and several countries attend the event.  Visitors had the opportunity to see more than 600 exhibitors.  Highlights for this year are the field demonstrations, including corn combining, tillage, haying, and precision farming.  New this year will be a UAV … Read More

Thermal Grade Cameras for Drones

Kelly MarshallAerial Imagery, Agribusiness, drone, UAS, UAV

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced the addition of FLIR Vue™ thermal imaging camera series for drones.  The FLIR Vue Pro offers expanded options such as precision thermal imaging, enhanced data collection capabilities, in-flight control of camera functions, and simple mobile apps. In addition to providing the same easy power-in/analog video-out connection that has been so popular on the FLIR Vue, the … Read More

NFU Pleased with the Future of Drones

Kelly Marshalldrone, NFU, UAV

Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) has praised the FAA for the work it has done to address the challenges and future of UAVs.  Recently two individuals at the administration have been selected to spear head the integration of UAVs into U.S. airspace. “UAVs have significant potential to benefit America’s family farmers and ranchers,” said Johnson. “NFU … Read More

New Field Demos Set for Farm Progress Show

Kelly MarshallEvents, Farm Progress Show, Planting, UAV

The Nation’s largest outdoor farm show will be held in Decatur, IL, Sept. 1-3.  Among the attractions of the Farm Progress Show are the farmer favorite- field demonstrations.  This 62nd annual show promises the standard combining and tillage demos, along with several new features this year. UAV Demonstrations New at the Farm Progress Show this year will be UAV demonstrations.  Flights … Read More

Get Registered for InterDrone Conference

Chuck ZimmermanAerial Imagery, AgNerd, drone, technology, UAV

Here’s an update on the upcoming first ever International Drone Conference and Expo – InterDrone. Carl Berndtson, Business Development Consultant, BZ Media, wants to first remind everyone that the early-bird deadline for a big registration discount is August 21. If you register before August 21 use the discount code FLYIT on a 3 day pass for an extra discount courtesy … Read More

Getting More from UAVs

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, drone, InfoAg, UAV, webinar

Don’t worry.  If you missed the Hexagon Geospatial booth at InfoAg 2015, there’s still a chance for you to witness an IMAGINE UAV demonstration– this time from the comfort of your own computer. The UAV market is expanding rapidly and changes are everywhere.  The webcast will focus on the possibilities and potential of UAVs for use in agriculture, with ideas for … Read More

UAVs Help Higher Education Climb to New Levels at SIU

John DavisAgribusiness, UAV

Southern Illinois University Carbondale students are taking higher education to another level. According to this news release, beginning this fall, agriculture students at the school will have the opportunity to learn about the next game-changing agricultural tool – unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Christopher Clemons and Dennis Watson, faculty members in the College of Agricultural Sciences, are preparing a course of … Read More