News Summary
Michigan State University is launching the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series to educate farmers on innovations in field crop production. Beginning March 30, the sessions will take place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. until September. Experts will provide insights and weather forecasts, with interactive Q&A sessions to enhance understanding. The initiative also offers Restricted Use Pesticide and Certified Crop Adviser credits. Registration is required for updates and zoom links. MSU aims to support local farmers through ongoing education and innovation.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) is set to kick off a new initiative, the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series, beginning on March 30, 2023. The series, aimed at educating farmers on the latest innovations in field crop production, will take place every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. from March through September 2023.
Each session will feature presentations from experts in the field, providing valuable insights into crop innovations and challenges. Participants will also receive a weather forecast relevant to farming conditions. A crucial component of the series will be interactive Q&A sessions where attendees can engage with specialists from MSU, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topics presented.
Farmers and agricultural enthusiasts are encouraged to log in five minutes prior to each session to guarantee connectivity and to maximize their experience. Additionally, Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credits will be available for most live sessions, adding value for those participating in the agriculture industry.
To keep updated, interested participants need to sign up for email notifications to receive Zoom links and reminders for each session. This initiative aims to maintain a consistent flow of knowledge and updates regarding field crop production concerns as farmers navigate the complexities of the growing season.
Looking ahead, the MSU Spring Spray Drone Fly-in is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center. This event will cater to current and aspiring spray drone operators, offering both expert discussions and practical hands-on demonstrations.
Registration for the Fly-in costs $50 per person, and attendees must provide proof of drone certification before the event. This gathering reflects the increasing integration of technology in agriculture, particularly the use of drones for efficient and precise spraying of crops.
Michael Reinke from MSU Extension is actively researching spray drones, focusing on their benefits and challenges. Drones are especially advantageous as they can access hard-to-reach areas of fields without causing ground compaction, a common issue with traditional farming equipment. They provide precise applications of products using advanced GPS systems that are adaptable to various crop types and weather conditions.
Research indicates that spray drones can match, if not exceed, the efficacy of conventional ground-based sprayers. Their effectiveness has been particularly pronounced in targeted applications, especially in complicated growing environments such as vineyards. A recent analysis showed that drones accomplish spraying tasks faster than traditional tractors, making them a time-efficient alternative.
The Kruithoff family farm has been utilizing DJI-T40 drones since 2021 for applications such as fungicide and cover crops. By replacing classic crop dusters with drones, they have enhanced application precision tailored to specific areas within their fields. Safety measures are in place to ensure that operators maintain visibility and implement no-fly zones to avoid obstacles, further emphasizing the responsible use of this technology.
As interest in drone agriculture practices surges, the Kruithoff farm is welcoming more drone operators to their operations. The efficiency and adaptability offered by drone technology are expected to improve as advancements continue, offering farmers a promising tool to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.
As the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series commences, it sets the stage for ongoing education and innovation within Michigan’s agricultural community, reinforcing MSU’s commitment to supporting local farmers with the latest knowledge and practices.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Farm News: Flying Acres Ag – A Fully Certified Agriculture Drone Dealership
- Wikipedia: Agricultural Technology
- Morning Ag Clips: 2025 MSU Spring Spray Drone Fly-in
- Google Search: Spray Drones in Agriculture
- Good Fruit: Fighting Fruit Pests From the Air
- Google Scholar: Drone Technology in Agriculture
- Farm Progress: Drones Replace Crop Dusters on Row Crop Farm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture Drones
- Michigan Farm News: Out of Sight Drone Regs Could Be Loosened
- Google News: Drone Regulations
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