Capitol Hill Forum Successful in Highlighting UAS Applications in Agriculture
AUVSI moderated a panel discussion titled “Agricultural Applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” hosted by the House and Senate Unmanned Systems Caucuses. The event was held Wednesday, March 25, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium, and panelists included representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Association of Independent Crop Consultants.
Rep. Joe Heck (Nev.-3), the House caucus cochairman, kicked off the event, and then AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne guided the full 90-minute discussion. It was an opportunity for lawmakers, staff, and industry to come together to better understand the benefits that UAS will bring to different facets of the agriculture industry and ultimately a potential $75 billion in economic impact by 2025.
By providing farmers a cost-effective way to enhance overall crop performance, delineate soil patterns, detect biotic and abiotic stress such as drought, and spray for pests and disease, unmanned systems in precision agriculture could save farmers significant time and resources. One example pointed out that a 10-acre field might take an hour to scout on foot, but only 10 or 15 minutes with UAS.
Some of the panelists mentioned that UAS may also allow for proactive, rather than reactive, measures to ensure crop sustainability and that UAS can increase efficiency of operations, which translates into profitability for an industry that have very tight margins.
“I’m optimistic about the possibilities for UAS technology and what it could mean for farmers,” says NCGA Manager of Public Affairs Raine. “These devices will make farms more efficient and sustainable. Lowering the costs and environmental impact of farming is good not only for farmers, but also consumers.”
AUVSI is looking forward to working with the House and Senate Unmanned Systems Caucuses on future events.
