Organizers say a two-day “drone rodeo” in Pendleton, Ore., this month will demonstrate the future of digital agriculture.
The event will be held Aug. 18-19 at the Pendleton Airport. The site is one of the national unmanned aerial system (UAS) test ranges and has become a focus of Pendleton’s economic development efforts. Part of the facility is now called the Oregon UAS Future Farm, and is intended be a proving grounds for equipment developed by digital agriculture pioneers.
Steve Chrisman, Pendleton’s economic development director and airport director, said drone and high-tech ag companies are attracted by Pendleton’s wide open spaces and the wide variety of crops grown in the region. While digital ag doesn’t have the economic impact of a 250-employee manufacturing plant, it does have a ripple effect, Chrisman said.
The presence of flight test teams can lead to companies renting office space or workshop space, he said. A Virginia company, Digital Harvest, has opened a branch office in Pendleton. “A certain percentage will take up some level of permanent residence,” Chrisman said.
Industry advocates believe agriculture is on its way to being one of first commercial adopters of drone technology. Equipped with cameras or other sensors, drones could spot irrigation or pest problems, estimate yield, do inventory or other chores. In time, drones could communicate directly with other unmanned farm implements, and send them to take care of problems spotted from the air.
The event is aimed at farmers, and will include flight and data-downloading demonstrations of various types of unmanned vehicles.
Register at www.pendletondrone.rodeo
Source: www.capitalpress.com