Drones are rapidly becoming more common in agricultural production, not only for imaging, but for applying chemicals and seeding crops. As with any new technology, there is a learning curve and soybean growers have demonstrated great interest in integrating drones into their operation. In order to facilitate the adoption of this new technology, this project will focus on developing a drone school for agronomic crops through a series of in-person, hands-on workshops throughout the state. Experts on agricultural drones will provide live demonstrations and provide an overview of licensing and permitting. We will also present data on drone spraying and cover crop seeding that we have conducted on Maryland farms since 2020 to help clients understand the expectations and limitations of drones in agronomic crop production. This proposal is for 50% of the total project funds; we will seek the remainder of the funding from the Maryland Grain Producer’s Utilization Board.

1. Develop a drone training program.
Organize a training program focused on introducing producers of corn, wheat, soybeans, and other agronomic row crops to agricultural drones. The program will include classroom as well as hands-on instruction and demonstrations. The program will consist of an overall introduction to drones, what is available to producers, the benefits and pitfalls of the technology, and licensing/regulations surrounding the operation of drones on the farm. The program will also integrate research data that we have generated from 2020-2023 showing the efficacy of drones for agricultural spray application and cover crop seeding.

2. Replicate the program across 3-4 sites in Maryland.
Conduct agronomic drone training classes in 3-4 locations throughout Maryland. Since grain crops are grown in every county in Maryland, multiple workshop locations are needed to reach as many interested clients as possible.

3. Collect survey data on agricultural drone use.
At the conclusion of each workshop, we will administer a survey to collect and measure interest in farmers or agriculture professionals to pursue the use of agricultural drones for their operations. These data will be used to guide future programs and develop additional educational resources to support farmers interested in further implementing this technology.

Procedure to achieve these objectives:
Objective 1. Develop a drone training program.
• PIs Kness and Crowl will identify key topics and develop an agenda for the program, as well as identify key individuals to assist in program delivery and teaching. We will work with certified drone pilots to coordinate the hands-on demonstrations for the program.
Objective 2. Replicate the program across 3-4 sites in Maryland.
• Workshop locations will be chosen based on geographic location and proximity to interested clients based on feedback from local Extension agents and other local agriculture experts.
Objective 3. Collect survey data on agricultural drone use.
• Develop a short survey to collect data on future programming interests surrounding drone technology in agronomic crops, as well as any challenges farmers or agricultural providers are facing in trying to implement or adopt the technology.
• Analyze the data and publish in appropriate educational and/or professional outlets.
Evaluation:
Objective 1. Develop a drone training program; & Objective 2. Replicate the program across 3-4 sites in
Maryland.
This objective will be met when a full training program has been developed and delivered to a target audience of 80 clients across 3-4 sites in Maryland.
Objective 3. Collect survey data on agricultural drone use.
Successful completion of this objective will consist of developing a survey that is administered to the participants in the drone school program, with a goal of 70% response rate. The survey will be successful if we can glean additional data to guide the development of future programming and/or educational materials.

Updated July 30, 2024:
Three, half-day Drone Schools were planned across the state: Northern Maryland (June 25), Eastern Shore Maryland (August 1) and Southern Maryland (August 2). Drone Schools were advertised via email, newsletters, Agronomy News, UD Weekly Crop Update, Facebook, Agronomy News Blog, and the Maryland Grain Producers e-newsletter. The June 25 and August 2 drone schools were cancelled due to insufficient registration (2 in each class). Currently there are 23 registered for the August 1 class.

Drones offer a significant economic and environmental benefit to the farm, especially where access to other aerial application methods are limited. In-season chemical aerial chemical applications and cover crop seeding with a plane or helicopter is often limited to high-acreage clients and limited to fields that are flat and large. The topography and field shape/size exclude
thousands of acres of farmland in northern, western, and southern Maryland from utilizing aerial applications; however, drones can fill this niche. As a result, many farmers and agricultural service providers are taking a significant interest in using drones in these areas of our state.

This project will help interested clients understand how to implement drones on their agronomic operations, leading to more acres of crops treated with crop-protection products that can help manage detrimental foliar diseases, increase yields and farmer profits, as well as increased acres with early planted cover crops that provide both an economic benefit to the farmer and an environmental benefit to the Chesapeake Bay by capturing excess nutrients and reducing sediment erosion.