Grassroots Coalition Forms to Advocate for Continued Use of Essential Ag Tech

Jul 18, 2024

In response to proposed legislation aimed at banning drones manufactured by Chinese companies, a coalition of agricultural spray drone distributors is banding together to form a grassroots industry group. This coalition, consisting of Agri Spray Drones, Bestway Ag, Drone Nerds, HSE-UAV, Pegasus Robotics, and Rantizo intends to represent, protect, and advocate for the interests of the agricultural industry in the use of spray drone technology.

Legislative Concerns

Recent legislative proposals, like H.R 2864 which passed in the House version of the NDAA, seek to ban drones manufactured by Chinese companies due to security concerns. However, the proposals currently being presented and discussed fail to consider other methods to address security concerns while also avoiding the significant impact such bans would have on the agricultural industry.

The Vital Role of Spray Drones in Agriculture

Spray drones are an indispensable part of modern agricultural technology for several reasons:

1. Optionality in Aerial Application:

In an industry facing increasing demand for aerial applications combined with a shortage of available plane and helicopter pilots, drones provide a natural and efficient solution. According to survey data collected by coalition members, in 2023 alone, 3.7 million acres were sprayed by drones across 41 states and over 50 types of crops, generating $78.5 million in rural communities.

2. Job Creation in Rural America:

According to Agri Spray Drones CEO Taylor Moreland, “Spray drones create new job opportunities in rural areas where they previously did not exist.” For a reasonable investment, individuals can purchase a spray drone, start a custom application business, and start creating revenue that not only supports their families but also contributes to their local economy.

3. Support for Sustainable Agriculture:

Agricultural spray drone technology provides farmers with additional options for employing precision farming techniques in their operations, helping farmers to reduce crop input usage and increase yield opportunities. By delivering crop protection products precisely when and where they are needed, farmers can more efficiently control weed, pest, and disease pressures.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.