The world of drones is growing more each day. Contributing to this growth, Steve Li, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System weed scientist, is holding a virtual drone end-user conference March 18-19 via Zoom.
Li said there are many farmers who are interested in drone use on the farm. This conference is a great opportunity for them to learn how to integrate drone use on their operation.
“There are so many farmers who want to begin using drones on the farm but aren’t sure how to begin implementing drone sprays,” Li said. “On the other hand, there are many industry representatives and commercial operators who are also looking for practical drone application tips and research data to improve their operation quality and efficiency.”
Li said online information on drones is limited because it is a new technology.
“This conference is for everyone who is interested in flying spray drones to broaden their operational knowledge,” he said.
Conference Registration
The virtual conference will allow attendees to learn from the comfort of home or on the road. The first day of the conference will begin at 8 a.m. and go until 4:40 p.m. The second day of the conference will start at 8:20 a.m. and will adjourn at Noon.
Registration is $50, but there is a $20 discount for students, faculty, university and Extension staff. After the conference, a recording will be available for registered participants. Register for this conference online through the Alabama Extension store at www.aces.edu/store.
Conference Topics and Schedule
Li said the conference topics include the following:
- Drone manufacture update and deposition testing
- Trailer design
- Spray drone research updates
- Precision spot spraying and chemical efficacy evaluations
- Commercial field operations
- Spray boundary determination
- In-season crop analysis
- Flight management software for Part 137 operators
- Mosquito control
- Drone insurance and liability
Conference speakers include Li, who is also an Auburn University College of Agriculture associate professor, as well as Extension specialists from Michigan State University and the University of Georgia. Industry speakers include professionals from the following:
- American Drone
- Application Insight
- Bayer CropScience
- DJI Agriculture
- Pix4D NA Agriculture
- Rocoza Ag
- Sentera
- Three Rivers Mosquito and Vector Control
- USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit
- VT Insurance Agency
More Information
Contact Li to learn more about the drone conference at xzl0004@auburn.edu. Additional information about weed science is also available at www.aces.edu.