The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has taken a significant step forward in shaping the future of agricultural technology by joining a pioneering research initiative focused on drone use in farming. This move underscores the NCGA’s dedication to empowering growers to evaluate and influence the technologies that are rapidly transforming the agricultural landscape.
The study, spearheaded by Stratovation Group in collaboration with key sponsors and strategic partners, aims to delve deep into how farmers perceive, adopt, and implement drone technologies. This includes the use of drones for input application, scouting, and precision management—areas where drones have the potential to revolutionize farming practices. By joining as a frontline sponsor, the NCGA ensures that the voices of corn farmers are prominently featured in this critical exploration.
The initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including technology providers like SweetWater Technologies and Agri Spray Drones, service innovators, and farmer advocates such as the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), and D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services, Inc. (DCLRS). This broad coalition ensures that the research is not only comprehensive but also practical and forward-looking, addressing the real-world challenges and opportunities that farmers face.
Russell Williams, chair of NCGA’s Production and Sustainability Action Team, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “Corn farmers are at the forefront of determining the value of new technologies, and drones are a great example of that.” The study will provide valuable insights into the barriers that farmers encounter when adopting drone technologies, helping to inform future use, marketing, and policy directions that will benefit the entire agricultural sector.
The involvement of the NCGA is particularly significant because corn farmers manage some of the most advanced and large-scale operations in the U.S. Their perspectives are crucial in shaping the national conversation around drone technology and its role in agricultural innovation. Cam Camfield, CEO of Stratovation Group, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that it signals a major shift in how drones are perceived and integrated into modern farming practices.
The research effort will gather detailed feedback from a wide range of growers, including row crop and specialty crop producers across the country. Sponsors of the study will have exclusive access to the full data set, which can be used to guide policy discussions, product development, and customer engagement strategies. This early access will be invaluable in helping stakeholders stay ahead of the curve as drone technology continues to evolve.
Stratovation Group is actively seeking additional sponsors to join the initiative, offering them the opportunity to align with cutting-edge research and gain early access to the results. The public distribution of top-level results is expected later this year, providing a comprehensive overview of the findings and their implications for the agricultural industry.
As the study progresses, it will undoubtedly shed light on the practical applications of drone technology in farming, helping to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. The NCGA’s involvement ensures that the needs and perspectives of corn farmers are at the heart of this process, driving the next wave of drone integration in agriculture.
