North Dakota Ag Connection - North Dakota launches drone weed detection in crops

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North Dakota launches drone weed detection in crops
North Dakota Ag Connection - 03/04/2024

North Dakota's Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has introduced a new initiative aimed at combating noxious weeds through cutting-edge technology.

A generous grant of $274,100 has been awarded to deploy drones for the detection of these detrimental weeds in critical crop fields.

The initiative will concentrate its efforts on sugar beet and soybean fields across four pivotal counties during the 2024 growing season.

These areas have been chosen with precision, especially those that have previously reported sightings of the invasive Palmer amaranth.

The counties in focus for this innovative project are Traill, Cass, Richland, and Barnes.

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site has been chosen as the grant recipient, and the project is set to be a collaborative endeavor.

It brings together a diverse range of organizations including Grand Farm, North Dakota State University (NDSU), iSight Drone Services, and Thales.

Together, they will embark on a comprehensive noxious weeds surveillance operation across the designated counties.

This project is not just about detection; it involves a collaborative effort with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, county weed officers, and local landowners to ensure seamless operation of the drones over the targeted fields.

Any findings from these surveys will be handled with utmost confidentiality, with locations of weed detection disclosed only at the county level.

The funding for this ambitious program comes from the 68th Legislative Assembly, marking a significant investment in the future of agriculture in North Dakota.

By leveraging advanced drone technology, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to agricultural management, aiming to safeguard vital crops from the threat of noxious weeds.

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