In a significant move toward smarter, tech-driven farming, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has announced a nationwide study aimed at understanding how U.S. farmers are adopting and applying drone technology in their agricultural operations.
Led by the Stratovation Group, with support from partners such as SweetWater Technologies and Agri Spray Drones, this research initiative will explore farmer attitudes, usage patterns, and the perceived value of ag drones. The goal is to uncover adoption barriers, fine-tune product offerings, and shape more informed policy frameworks around agtech innovation.
Why It Matters: Data Meets Dirt
Drones have long promised to revolutionize agriculture—from aerial crop monitoring to targeted spraying and real-time data collection. But adoption across U.S. farms, especially in the corn sector, remains uneven. This study aims to bring clarity.
“Corn farmers are at the forefront of determining the value of new technologies,”
said Russell Williams, Director of Public Policy at NCGA.
“Their voice is essential in helping us align innovation with real on-ground needs.”
The study will focus on feedback from both row crop and specialty crop growers, offering a comprehensive look at how drone tech fits (or fails to fit) into different agricultural systems.
What the Study Will Examine
The Stratovation Group, a research and strategy consultancy, will lead data collection through surveys, interviews, and farm-level case studies. Key areas of inquiry include:
- Perceived ROI from drone deployment
- Technical and training barriers to entry
- Preferred features and pain points in current drone models
- Policy and regulation concerns around aerial technology
- Impact on sustainability and crop yield optimization
The findings will not only guide NCGA’s advocacy work, but also help tech providers shape more user-aligned tools and services.
A Signal of Strategic Change
“When major national organizations like NCGA step up, it signals that drone innovation is poised to make major inroads as a strategic tool of modern farming in the U.S.”
— Cam Camfield, CEO of Stratovation Group
Camfield emphasized the significance of industry-wide collaboration in de-risking new technology for farmers, noting that SweetWater Technologies and Agri Spray Drones bring valuable operational insights to the research.
This isn’t just a tech study—it’s an early blueprint for mainstreaming aerial precision agriculture in one of America’s most important crop systems.
What Comes Next
With drone usage projected to grow sharply across U.S. agriculture in the next five years, the timing of this study is crucial. Insights from the initiative will:
- Influence policy conversations at both federal and state levels
- Help manufacturers and agtech startups better tailor their offerings
- Improve extension and training programs for farmers
- Guide future R&D in precision agriculture
As farms face tighter margins, climate unpredictability, and labor shortages, smart drone deployment could unlock both efficiency and sustainability gains. This study might just pave the way.
Source: NCGA