Drones In Louisiana Agriculture’s Future

By Don Molino, The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

During his report on the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network Monday, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Stain reported lawmakers got a better feel for drones as the mechanical workers were demonstrated on the steps of the state capitol.

Strain said the current session of the legislature is working on coming up with uniform statewide standard regulations for drones, especially as they relate to the agriculture industry.

“Drones are being used by agriculture in a lot of ways as the technology rapidly increases,” said Strain.

“For example counting the number of plants in a field, overall germination of crops, looking at individual plants by grid, the amount of fertilizer needed, checking for disease, the amount of water needed as well as a multitude of items, all designed to facilitate  management and decrease costs and maximum output.”

Strain also pointed out drones fly around fields to make sure irrigation systems are working properly, looking for breaks in fence liens and so many things that can be done rapidly and cheaply.