Variety of applications to be demonstrated at UC Kearney Research and Extension Center

August 14, 2026 — The farming community is invited to see how drones are transforming agriculture through precision applications, mapping, spraying and innovative field practices at the UC Cooperative Extension Drone Applications in Agriculture Workshop on Sept. 9 at UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier.

Growers, agricultural professionals, researchers, students and others who are interested in drone technology for farming are invited.

“Participants will hear from experts about drone regulations and agricultural applications, then see the technology in action during equipment and field demonstrations,” said Anderson Safre, assistant UC Cooperative Extension specialist for agricultural innovation and technology, who is organizing the workshop. 

Drones can be used to collect data and create high-resolution imagery to inform a farmer’s decision-making. With targeted application of sprays, growers can save money and protect crops more efficiently. Drones also can be used for precise releases of beneficial insects for natural pest control.

The drone workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 9 at Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 9240 S. Riverbend Avenue, Parlier, CA 93648. Registration includes lunch. Preregistration fee is $10 at https://link.ucanr.edu/drones4ag and $20 on the day of event.

Workshop agenda

8 a.m.
Introduction and overview of drone applications in agriculture – Anderson Safre, UC Cooperative Extension specialist

8:30 a.m.
FAA regulations for drone operations and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Informatics and Geographic Information Systems (IGIS) Program – Sean Hogan, IGIS academic coordinator

9 a.m.
Drone spraying applications and regulations in California – Paramveer Singh, UC Cooperative Extension agricultural technology advisor

9:30 a.m.
Break

9:50 a.m.
Drone applications for hay yield mapping and weed detection – Ahmed Kayad, UCCE agricultural engineering advisor

10:20 a.m.
Drone applications for bird deterrence – Raymond Mireles, UCCE fruit and almond advisor 

10:50 a.m.
Drone applications for plant water consumption estimates – Kyle Knipper, USDA Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems Research scientist 

11:20 a.m.
Equipment and field demonstrations

Noon
Lunch

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