Given their low cost and versatility, ag drones seem like a smart investment. Still, hard data is lacking on the technology’s adoption and success rate in agriculture. But a new study sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association seeks to change that.
“Corn farmers are at the forefront of determining the value of new technologies, and drones are a great example of that,” says Russell Williams, chair of NCGA’s production and sustainability action team. “NCGA is proud to sponsor the survey, which will inform future use, marketing and policy directions that will benefit agriculture.”
The initiative will be led by Stratovation Group in partnership with SweetWater Technologies, Agri Spray Drones, the Agricultural Retailers Association, The Fertilizer Institute, and D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services Inc., among others. It will investigate how farmers perceive, adopt and apply drone technologies — and the barriers that stand in the way.
Researchers will capture in-depth feedback from row crop and specialty crop growers across the country. NCGA says it will work to put farmers’ voices at the forefront of conversations, so whatever researchers find can be practical and useful. The data will guide policy discussions, product development and customer engagement strategies.
“When major national organizations like NCGA step up, it signals that drone innovation is poised to make major inroads as a strategic tool of modern farming in the U.S.,” says Cam Camfield, CEO of Stratovation. “We’re also excited about the level of engagement this might produce with affiliated, state-based corn organizations. SweetWater Technologies, Agri Spray Drones and NCGA offer unique perspectives, yet there is a common goal: making sure farmers’ voices drive the next wave of drone integration.”
For more information and to find out how to be involved, contact Cam Camfield at cam@stratovationgroup.com.