The PA Drone Association conducted its latest Hot Topics Webinar on Friday morning, March 8, 2024 with 88 registrants for this important topic: The Future of Farming–It’s up in the Air!
The video archive can be found below.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The recent webinar hosted by the PA Drone Association’s Agricultural Committee witnessed an overwhelming response from industry professionals, signaling a resounding success in exploring the transformative impact of sprayer drones on sustainable agriculture.
With a significant turnout and active participation from stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum, the webinar, held on March 8, 2024, generated vibrant discussions and insightful exchanges. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with leading experts, including Dr. Shirin Ghatrehsamani, Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, and Valerii Iakovenko, founder of Futurology and FarmFleet, Chairman of the Agricultural Committee. The event was moderated by John G Duesler Jr, President of the PA Drone Association.
The webinar explored key themes such as precision spraying, real-life case studies, future trends in agricultural drones and gender diversity in drone technology. Participants seized the chance to pose numerous questions, reflecting a keen interest in harnessing drone technology to revolutionize farming practices.
John G Duesler Jr, expressing his enthusiasm for the webinar, emphasized the pivotal role of drones in optimizing farming operations and contributing to a sustainable agricultural future. Valerii Iakovenko echoed this sentiment, underlining the importance of innovative solutions in addressing sustainability challenges and fostering a prosperous farming community.
“Now is the right moment in time to launch agricultural innovation initiatives in the northeast states, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” remarked Valerii Iakovenko. “With the tremendous niche and market volume for drone sprayers, coupled with the engagement of enthusiasts like those present at the webinar, the market will continue to develop and thrive.”
Dr. Shirin Ghatrehsamani, Ph.D., added a profound academic perspective to the webinar, representing the scientific community’s rigorous approach to evaluating the efficiency and other benefits of drones in agriculture. As an Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Ghatrehsamani’s expertise in precision agriculture and UAV applications underscored the importance of evidence-based research in driving innovation in farming practices. Her scientific validation of the transformative impact of drones underscored the importance of evidence-based research in driving innovation in farming practices.
Ad added feature of this webinar was that it was held on International Women’s Day. Oleksandra Afanasieva, who previously worked as a United Nations representative for Ukraine as part of their sustainability initiatives, described the critical role that women farmers continue to play in her native land. Afanasieva believes that any successful modernization of farming in the United States (or around the globe) will necessarily require significant input from women.
Looking ahead, the PA Drone Association’s Agricultural Committee plans to host a series of events aimed at further exploring the potential of drone technology in agriculture. With a commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement, the association remains at the forefront of driving innovation and growth in Pennsylvania’s drone industry.For media inquiries and additional information, please contact Oleksandra Afanasieva at afanasieva@futurology.tech.