Drones have rapidly become a powerful tool in modern farming practices.
The use of drones in agriculture has steadily gained traction, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Spend the day at a field-style event exploring the key benefits and challenges of using spray drones in agriculture on June 5 at the Agriculture Drone Education Day.
As everyday farming costs continue to rise, it is important to understand options for getting crops from planting to harvest while not breaking the budget.
The event will feature educational presentations on drone features, hauling, safety, insurance, regulations, and state requirements. In addition, there will be equipment demonstrations and a networking session with industry professionals to help answer questions around adding drones and other agricultural technologies to a farming operation.
Drone Education Day Agenda
8:30 a.m. – Registration with light breakfast options
8:45 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks
9 a.m. – Truck and Trailer Efficiency, presented by Chase Plumer
9:30 a.m. – Insurance Requirements, presented by Luke Petty
10 a.m. – Demonstration: EAVision J150 and DJI Agras T100
10:40 a.m. – Demonstration: XAG P150Max and Ceres Black Betty
11:20 a.m. – Networking session to explore and visit partner booths
Noon – Lunch
12:45 p.m. – Regulation and Compliance, presented by Kelly Neubecker
1:15 p.m. – State Requirements and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Uses, presented by Dennis Bowman
1:45 p.m. – Panel discussion and Q&A session
2:30 p.m. – Closing remarks
There is no cost or registration required to attend. Lunch will be provided. Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Units will be available at the end of the event for qualified individuals.
For questions about the event or if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this program, contact Dennis Bowman, Illinois Extension digital agriculture specialist at ndbowman@illinois.edu or 217-244-0851.
The 2026 drone event partners include: University of Illinois Extension, Hunsinger Ag Solutions, ProHarvest Seeds, Agri Spray Drones, Hefty Seed Company, and Flightline Assurance.