In 2017, Hamilton County Farm Bureau was one of eight Ohio county Farm Bureaus that earned a County Activities of Excellence award from American Farm Bureau. On the surface, the activity—helping update state and national Farm Bureau policy as it relates to drones—doesn’t sound as though it would be related to farming.

However,  a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers states that the future of drone usage in agriculture could create an industry of $32 billion or more, and that estimate could be conservative.

What is the link between farmers and drones? Precision farming, by air and by land. Already on most farms, digital equipment with sensors can scan and record data from the field that farmers can use from planting to harvesting. Precision agriculture also includes the use of GPS, geomapping and satellite imagery to let farmers know exactly what work in what field was done on what day. It includes extensive details about crops in the field, including important items like nutrient management application.

Drones are an extension of that technology, with the ability to grab data quickly with a farm flyover. Now policies updated through the efforts initiated by the Hamilton County Farm Bureau make it so farmers have guidelines to follow so they can be on the cutting edge of this emerging technology.

Special thanks to Bob Beckman working as drone operator and Steve Knollman of Knollman Farms for showcasing their land. 

 

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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