TOPEKA, Kansas (RFD-TV) — Drones have become a staple on U.S. farms with new designs coming out each year. New data shows that momentum is growing and is not slowing down.
Data group Research Intelo reports the ag drone market reached $4.7 billion just last year, with more growth on the way. They project the market to reach nearly $30 billion by 2033, noting that more farmers are adopting drones in their operations.
The technology is advancing, too, with newer models aimed at larger operations. Researchers say that as time goes on, the tech will only get more reliable, leading to strong demand in the years ahead.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight. The change would dramatically expand drone efficiency on farms, reducing time and labor costs for monitoring crops, managing livestock, and applying precision technology.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to break down the proposal and what it could mean for American agriculture.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen explained that the FAA’s proposed rule aims to modernize drone operations by removing restrictions that limit range and flexibility, enabling farmers to cover larger areas without needing multiple pilots or spotters.
He also highlighted how the change could strengthen precision agriculture, providing more consistent data collection and improved resource management through technologies like aerial mapping and crop health imaging.
McEowen added that while the proposal is a significant step forward, it will still need to go through a public comment period and safety evaluation before becoming official policy.
Firm to Farm: Extending Drone Applications in Agriculture ‘Beyond the Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS)
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