How Researchers in Upstate New York used Drones to Improve Hemp Farming

Across the United States, drones are making farming more accessible. Since the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp production in the U.S., farming of the Hemp quadrupled. Increasingly, researchers are exploring ways to gather more data about varietal performance, cultivate hemp more efficiently, and maximize CBD hemp harvests. CBD is one of the main products that hemp farmers are interested in. With the CBD industry expected to reach $23 billion by 2023, causing an acre of hemp to be worth up to $40K per acre. But the budding industry is still learning about hemp-growing practices. 

Mechanical Testing Inc. (MTI Drones) an Authorized DJI Enterprise Dealer and Aerial Solutions Company based in Clifton Park, New York saw the need for drone technology to make hemp farming more efficient for farmers.  With this in mind, they located local hemp farms and asked them to participate in a study.  Without hesitation, multiple farmers volunteered to participate in the research study. Check  out the full case study here!