Opinion: Drone regulations ground valuable farming technology

Unmanned aerial vehicles — drones — are a part of many farm futures. From field and pasture reconnaissance to application of pesticides, the ability to see land without setting foot on it offers many advantages that can improve the bottom line.

Technology is developing faster than the regulations that guide operations, as is usually the case, so there’s a risk that producers will put the tools to work before the rules are ready. Liability issues are only some of the negative effects possible should accidents occur ahead of regulation. Guidelines are needed that encourage UAV use rather than stifle it.

Current aerial regulations weren’t designed for larger, utility machines that work on their own. Today’s rules were aimed at tiny machines that pose little peril when kept away from larger aircraft and from humans on the ground. And even those are evolving as the technology improves.