Vegetable and field crop growers interested in incorporating drones into their farm management are invited to a free Drone Demonstration for Pest Management Meeting from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Northern Farm Market at 74865 Van Dyke Road, Romeo, Mich.

The meeting and demo will explore using drones for pesticide and fertilizer application, plus seeding cover crops.

This event will start with the drone demonstration showing the effects of flight settings on productivity and methods of evaluating spray patterns and coverage, followed by a presentation about the rules and regulations for drone usage in pest management by Mike Reinke of Michigan State University Extension.

In addition to pesticide application, Reinke will discuss using drones for fertilizer application and seeding cover crops.

Teresa Crook of MSU Extension will explain the Endangered Species Act impact for pesticide labels and introduce Bulletins Live! Two.

Salta Mambetova of MSU Extension will provide a vegetable pest update and integrated pest management recommendations. 

Drone service companies are invited to provide information about their services. Growers will have an opportunity to discuss different topics related to the drone application.

Two credits for pesticide application certification are available in the following categories: 1A, 1B, AE, Comm CORE and Priv CORE.

Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., with the drone demonstration beginning at 5 p.m. Refreshments and water will be provided. Register online to ensure space and refreshments.

Source: MSUE