Drone and Management Decisions

Today we will begin a two-part conversation with Robert Blair — Vice President of Agriculture with Measure — a drone service company. It is an exciting time in agriculture with the many amazing technologies available to help farmers become more efficient and improve their bottom line. Unmanned Vechicles — UAVs or drone— are one such technology that many are considering. There are many rules and regulations surrounding the commercial use of drones — and if you are using the information you glean from a drone in your operation — it is considered commercial use. Blair says
Blair: “So if a farmer has purchased a drone, they need to actually be aware that there are rules you need to comply with. If something would happen and you are flying illegally, you are opening yourself up to a potential lawsuit. Make sure you understand what the rules are. As far as the information and what can be gleaned from that — its not as easy as people think — there are a lot of information and a lot layers. Farmers wear enough hats right now as it is without adding another job of GIS specialist or a computer specialist or a data specialist. When we take a look look at our highest and best use of our time, maybe it’s not being a GIS specialist but it’s being a good farm manager.”
Tomorrow we will discuss management gaps in ag operations and how drones and the valuable information they provide can assist producers increasing profitability.