Setting the Stage for UAV/UAS Applications in Agriculture Ted Batkin Batkin Agricultural Service Visalia, CA

Current Status of UAV/UAS Systems in Agriculture Primarily Used for Crop Surveys Some applications in the Midwest states Emerging Technology for Precision Ag Philosophical Disconnect between Ag and the UAV/UAS worlds. Technical Barriers for Remote Sensing  Target Definitions  Identifying Agricultural Needs 2

Technical Challenges How do new companies define the needs of the consumer (grower) How do producers communicate their needs to the technical industries in a language they will all understand. What sensors are necessary to meet the challenges of the agricultural community. Who will provide the funding for research and development to close the technical gaps. 3

Barriers to Market Entry Technical products that will meet the industries needs. Political barriers to the use of unmanned systems. Regulatory barriers to market entry. Need for public/private partnerships for funding R & D of product development. 4

Reality of Agricultural Applications Applications must have a relationship to real problems facing growers. Applications can not just be the figment of the designers vision of farming. Time must be spent in conversation with growers and grower groups to assure applicable solutions. 5

What are some of the issues facing agriculture: Plant disease early detection. Tree health status of orchards and groves. Insect population detection. Water stress management solutions. Long term water availability analysis. Soil analysis and variability across a plot of land. 6

Example: Huanglongbing (HLB) aka Citrus Greening Worldwide disease – very persistent and will cause massive tree losses in commercial and backyard situations Current treatment strategy is “Early Detection – Rapid Response” One example of detection is a VOC sensor platform that actually “sniffs” the tree. 7

Huanglongbing–HLB Citrus Greening Healthy Tree

HLB - Affects on Young Trees Trees stunted May never bear fruit Attractive to psyllids - large source of inoculum Photos courtesy Fernando Tersi, Cambuhy Farms, Brasil

Considerations for Solutions Must know the target and how to clearly identify the symptoms. Must have the correct tools for detection and identification. Must know the environment for the search platform. Must select the proper platform that will succeed in the target environment. 11

Opportunities Building communication pathways for inter disciplinary forums and discussions. Education of public officials of the positive benefits to UAV/UAS programs. Overhaul of the current regulatory system to allow private enterprise entry into the UAV/UAS marketplace. Development of public funding mechanisms for R & D that encourage or force partnerships. 12

Conclusions The opportunities need to be addressed at all levels. Most important for agriculture, understand your target market and know your clients needs. Develop systems that meet those needs and will generate a revenue stream to support the programs. 13

Thank you We need new tools for the tool box !