Drones In Agriculture

Getting to know a new technology can be intimidating, especially one that has not been widely explored, watching videos and attending training classes will aid in obtaining a drone license as well as limit the opportunities for blunders.

Dronegenuity’s website includes drone training opportunities online and in person throughout Virginia, visit the website to see if they have a drone training opportunity near you: https://www.dronegenuity.com/drone-training/virginia/

They offer: Safety training, FAA Drone Laws, flying drones for income course, and technology insight courses

According to the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) Title 14 Code of Regulations released in 2016, you must obtain a drone license to legally fly drones for commercial or business use.

The federal government regulates agricultural drones a little bit differently than commercial drones, instead of Title 14 Part 107, agricultural use is under Part 137.

Here is a link with more detailed information on what is regulated and why: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

The Drone Pilot Training Center offers opportunities for drone licensing and preparation materials, as well as drone training programs throughout Virginia.https://www.dronepilottrainingcenter.com/drone-training-virginia-part-107

According to Virginia Administrative Code 685-20, all commercial, private and registered technician applicators must obtain a license in order apply pesticides in areas that are open to general public, areas where open food is stored, processed or sold and recreational land over five acres.

Pesticides are not monitored by the federal government, all licensing is done on a state level.

The link includes contact information as well as internal links for The Office of Pesticide Services, which include training course throughout Virginia and certification opportunities. https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-applicator-training.shtml

Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs

This link includes external links to Virginia Pesticide Training Manuals as well as Fertilizer Certification Training provided by Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!)

Includes:

· DJI Agras MG-1: drone sprayer for pesticides, fertilizer or herbicides, includes a manual sprayer mode or a programmed route

· SenseFly Ebee SQ: infrared drone for crop surveillance

· Many, many more

Link: https://buythebestdrone.com/agricultural-drones-for-sale/

Includes information about what are the best starter drones for farmers, along with the best options according to different price points

Link: https://www.agriculture.com/technology/buying-your-first-farm-drone

Since this is a newer technology, the best options are going to be found online, with limited selections across the state for an in-store buy

Visit the Drone Technologies page of our website to get information about the different types, manufacturers, and sensors of drones.