By Andi Anderson
With drone use rising in agriculture, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping farmers fly smarter and safer. In partnership with High Tech Solutions for Agriculture, ISU is hosting a two-day workshop to prepare participants for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test — a requirement for legal drone operation in commercial settings.
The workshop will take place June 4–5 at the Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab in Ames, Iowa. It costs $325 and includes access to follow-up test materials and expert instruction.
“Technology in farming is moving fast—and drones are quickly becoming an essential tool,” said Doug Houser, a digital agriculture extension specialist at ISU. “Whether you’re using drones for scouting, spraying, or locating livestock, earning your FAA Part 107 certificate is the first step to safe and legal operation.”
Farmers attending the training will learn about:
- Pre-flight and post-flight safety procedures
- Best practices for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
- The latest FAA regulations and updates
- Low Altitude Authorization Network (LAANC) coordination
- Proper radio communication and airspace rules
Drones offer multiple benefits on the farm, such as capturing aerial images, spotting weeds, assessing crop health, spraying, and documenting storm damage. By streamlining tasks, they can help farmers save time, spot issues faster, and make better decisions.
“Taking the time to learn how to operate a drone legally and safely is a smart investment in your farm’s future,” Houser emphasized.
With professional guidance and a focus on legal compliance, this workshop aims to empower farmers with tools and knowledge to make the most of drone technology. Registration is open online for interested participants.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Equipment & Machinery