In the heart of Louisiana, a new collaboration is taking root, promising to revolutionize the way farmers tend to their crops. The partnership between LSU of Alexandria, the LSU AgCenter, and local business Guardian Aerial is bringing precision agriculture to the forefront, offering Louisiana farmers a novel tool to enhance their operations.
At the helm of Guardian Aerial is Clinton Giglio, whose journey from a military helicopter pilot to an EMS pilot led him to identify a significant gap in the agriculture industry in Louisiana. Recognizing the potential of drones, Giglio founded Guardian Aerial to bridge this gap, focusing on the emerging technology of sprayer drones.
Sprayer drones, a novel concept for many American farmers, are at the center of this collaboration. Randy Price, an associate professor at the LSU AgCenter, emphasizes the importance of research in understanding the benefits these drones can bring to Louisiana’s farming community. “The sprayer drones are so new to the American farmer and here in Louisiana that we’re trying to do a lot of research really quickly to let them know what they’re going to get from a sprayer drone,” Price said.
For Louisiana farmer Paul Van Mol, the potential of sprayer drones lies in their ability to provide precise and timely interventions. “Farming with a drone is another tool we can use for timing,” Van Mol said, highlighting the importance of timing in agricultural practices.
LSU of Alexandria is playing a pivotal role in this collaboration by expanding its programs to enable students to become licensed remote pilots. Nathan Sammons, Dean of LSU of Alexandria’s College of STEM, explains, “We are starting the new agricultural program. We want to train students to work locally and be able to use drones and other technology to make farming more efficient, more cost-effective.”
This collaboration is not just about introducing new technology; it’s about integrating it into the existing agricultural framework. Giglio points out the unique niche this partnership creates, allowing for the incorporation of new and emerging technology that younger generations are more familiar with into the agriculture industry.
The implications of this collaboration are far-reaching. Jason Ingalls, a Guardian Aerial board member, highlights the potential for drones to reduce costs and increase efficiency for the entire industry. Moreover, this partnership offers students a pathway to a career in a high-technology industry, making a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s major industry—agriculture.
As this collaboration continues to grow, it promises to bring about a new era in Louisiana agriculture, one where precision and efficiency are at the forefront, and where the next generation of farmers is equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.