1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

The University of Florida recently hosted an intensive 4-day drone course for the Florida Forest Service, providing foresters with the essential aviation knowledge and hands-on drone operation skills. This initiative is revolutionizing how the Florida Forest Service approaches its forest management, particularly with the new legislation permitting the use of American-made drones. Extension Agents Brittany [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3477" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3477" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones041-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-3477 lazyload" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones041-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3477" class="wp-caption-text">Foresters learning how to use drones for controlled burn applications during the UF/IFAS Extension Drone Prep Course. Photo Credit: Tyler Jones</figcaption></figure>The University of Florida recently hosted an intensive 4-day drone course for the Florida Forest Service, providing foresters with the essential aviation knowledge and hands-on drone operation skills. This initiative is revolutionizing how the Florida Forest Service approaches its forest management, particularly with the new legislation permitting the use of American-made drones.
Extension Agents Brittany Scharf, Stacy Strickland, Tim Wilson, Matt Smith, and Kalan Taylor taught foresters the knowledge necessary to pass the Federal Aviation Administration&#8217;s Part 107 exam. The course covered vital topics such as weather patterns, navigation, sectional charts, restricted airspace, and regulations that govern commercial drone usage.<figure id="attachment_3471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3471" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones004-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-3471 lazyload" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones004-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3471" class="wp-caption-text">IFAS Extension agents Stacy Strickland, Brittany Scharf, and Matt Smith instructing US Forest Service personnel in preparation for their FAA drone certification. Photo Credit: Tyler Jones</figcaption></figure>
Moreover, the course offered practical, hands-on experience with obstacle courses, enabling foresters to master drone control and maneuvering. These exercises allow participants to gain confidence in operating drones and executing precise flight patterns.
One of the standout components of the course was the use of equipment supplied by Drone Amplified to practice controlled burns. Foresters utilized drones equipped with chemical-infused balls, known as &#8220;dragon eggs,&#8221; which fill with antifreeze upon deployment. The resulting chemical reaction ignites a fire, providing an innovative and efficient method for conducting prescribed burns.
This novel approach is revolutionizing prescribed burn practices, making them safer and more efficient. Previously, burns were conducted by hand or helicopter, which posed risks to foresters and limited the scope of operations. Now, drones can be deployed across various districts, from the Alabama state line down to Fort Myers, allowing for greater flexibility and safety.
<figure id="attachment_3475" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3475" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones038-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-3475 lazyload" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hernandoco/files/2024/04/ControlledBurnswDrones038-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3475" class="wp-caption-text">UF/IFAS Extension Agent Brittany Scharf teaching foresters drone applications. Photo Credit: Tyler Jones</figcaption></figure> 
In addition to prescribed burns, drones offer other significant benefits for forest management, such as conducting timber inventories and monitoring disease outbreaks. These new applications enable the Florida Forest Service to maintain healthier forests and optimize resource management. 
UF/IFAS Extension&#8217;s innovative approach to drone education, in collaboration with the Florida Forest Service, is paving the way for a new era in forest management. By bridging the gap between technology and environmental stewardship, Extension agents are facilitating more efficient and sustainable management of Florida&#8217;s forests and natural resources. Through their efforts, the future of forest management looks brighter, promising healthier ecosystems and safer working conditions for foresters.

Foresters learning how to use drones for controlled burn applications during the UF/IFAS Extension Drone Prep Course. Photo Credit: Tyler JonesThe University of Florida recently hosted an intensive 4-day drone course for the Florida Forest Service, providing foresters with the essential aviation knowledge and hands-on drone operation skills. This initiative is revolutionizing how the Florida Forest Service approaches its forest management, particularly with the new legislation permitting the use of American-made drones.
Extension Agents Brittany Scharf, Stacy Strickland, Tim Wilson, Matt Smith, and Kalan Taylor taught foresters the knowledge necessary to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 exam. The course covered vital topics such as weather patterns, navigation, sectional charts, restricted airspace, and regulations that govern commercial drone usage.IFAS Extension agents Stacy Strickland, Brittany Scharf, and Matt Smith instructing US Forest Service personnel in preparation for their FAA drone certification.  Photo Credit: Tyler Jones
Moreover, the course offered practical, hands-on experience with obstacle courses, enabling foresters to master drone control and maneuvering. These exercises allow participants to gain confidence in operating drones and executing precise flight patterns.
One of the standout components of the course was the use of equipment supplied by Drone Amplified to practice controlled burns. Foresters utilized drones equipped with chemical-infused balls, known as “dragon eggs,” which fill with antifreeze upon deployment. The resulting chemical reaction ignites a fire, providing an innovative and efficient method for conducting prescribed burns.
This novel approach is revolutionizing prescribed burn practices, making them safer and more efficient. Previously, burns were conducted by hand or helicopter, which posed risks to foresters and limited the scope of operations. Now, drones can be deployed across various districts, from the Alabama state line down to Fort Myers, allowing for greater flexibility and safety.
UF/IFAS Extension Agent Brittany Scharf teaching foresters drone applications. Photo Credit: Tyler Jones
UF/IFAS Extension’s innovative approach to drone education, in collaboration with the Florida Forest Service, is paving the way for a new era in forest management. By bridging the gap between technology and environmental stewardship, Extension agents are facilitating more efficient and sustainable management of Florida’s forests and natural resources. Through their efforts, the future of forest management looks brighter, promising healthier ecosystems and safer working conditions for foresters.

The University of Florida recently hosted an intensive 4-day drone course for the Florida Forest Service, providing foresters with the essential aviation knowledge and hands-on drone operation skills. This initiative is revolutionizing how the Florida Forest Service approaches its forest management, particularly with the new legislation permitting the use of American-made drones. Extension Agents Brittany […]

Fire from the Sky

University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence technology to quantify damage to fruits and vegetables caused by extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian. When Ian struck on Sept. 28, it brought winds up to 155 mph and caused as much as $1.56 billion in damage to crops, livestock and aquaculture products in its [&#8230;]

University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence technology to quantify damage to fruits and vegetables caused by extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian.
When Ian struck on Sept. 28, it brought winds up to 155 mph and <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2022/10/18/hurricane-ian-preliminary-estimate/">caused as much as $1.56 billion in damage to crops, livestock and aquaculture products in its path, according to preliminary estimates from UF/IFAS</a>. Those estimates are based on farmer surveys.
These figures are critical because growers need to know the extent of crop loss to file insurance claims and apply for other recovery aid, and UF/IFAS scientist <a href="https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/ampatzidis/">Yiannis Ampatzidis</a> thinks he can help.
<figure id="attachment_34255" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34255" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-34255 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/01/AI_Ampatzidis_011723-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34255" class="wp-caption-text">Yiannis Ampatzidis with agricultural drones in the laboratory at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. UF/IFAS photography.</figcaption></figure>
Ampatzidis has already developed Agroview and AgroSense at his lab at the <a href="https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">Southwest Florida Research and Education Center</a>. His newest project is to develop a computer model to use his existing technology to count damaged or dead crops.
The UF/IFAS associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering has received a nearly $300,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to use Agroview and AgroSense for the times extreme weather arrives.
“The use of this novel technology in commercial fields is expected to help specialty crop growers rapidly calculate losses and better communicate recovery needs to ensure business viability,” said Ampatzidis. “It will also minimize interruption to the U.S. produce supply chain due to unexpected weather and climatic events.”
Currently, Agroview takes aerial and ground images to determine fruit-tree characteristics, such as height, canopy size, leaf density, health and the number of fruit.
AgroSense is a ground-based, AI-enhanced sensor that tells tree-crop sprayers to apply pesticide only to existing trees. The technology also tells sprayers what not to spray, including poles, pumps and dead trees.
Over the next three months, Ampatzidis and his team will gather aerial and ground images of tomatoes, peppers and citrus on farms in South and Central Florida. Six to eight months after the first round of data-gathering, scientists will return to the same farms to collect more images and data.
Scientists will develop and train an AI model to analyze the images from Agroview and AgroSense. The technology will then be able to automatically recognize and detect damaged crops, fallen trees, broken limbs, ruined tomato and pepper plants, fallen trees and flooded areas.
Ampatzidis and his research colleagues will tell growers about their findings, in hopes they can move to recoup their losses faster.
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;
About AI at UF
The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is home to the most powerful, university-owned supercomputer in the nation, according to 2021 rankings released by TOP500, contributing to innovative research and education opportunities.

University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence technology to quantify damage to fruits and vegetables caused by extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian.
When Ian struck on Sept. 28, it brought winds up to 155 mph and caused as much as $1.56 billion in damage to crops, livestock and aquaculture products in its path, according to preliminary estimates from UF/IFAS. Those estimates are based on farmer surveys.
These figures are critical because growers need to know the extent of crop loss to file insurance claims and apply for other recovery aid, and UF/IFAS scientist Yiannis Ampatzidis thinks he can help.
Yiannis Ampatzidis with agricultural drones in the laboratory at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. UF/IFAS photography.
Ampatzidis has already developed Agroview and AgroSense at his lab at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. His newest project is to develop a computer model to use his existing technology to count damaged or dead crops.
The UF/IFAS associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering has received a nearly $300,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to use Agroview and AgroSense for the times extreme weather arrives.
“The use of this novel technology in commercial fields is expected to help specialty crop growers rapidly calculate losses and better communicate recovery needs to ensure business viability,” said Ampatzidis. “It will also minimize interruption to the U.S. produce supply chain due to unexpected weather and climatic events.”
Currently, Agroview takes aerial and ground images to determine fruit-tree characteristics, such as height, canopy size, leaf density, health and the number of fruit.
AgroSense is a ground-based, AI-enhanced sensor that tells tree-crop sprayers to apply pesticide only to existing trees. The technology also tells sprayers what not to spray, including poles, pumps and dead trees.
Over the next three months, Ampatzidis and his team will gather aerial and ground images of tomatoes, peppers and citrus on farms in South and Central Florida. Six to eight months after the first round of data-gathering, scientists will return to the same farms to collect more images and data.
Scientists will develop and train an AI model to analyze the images from Agroview and AgroSense. The technology will then be able to automatically recognize and detect damaged crops, fallen trees, broken limbs, ruined tomato and pepper plants, fallen trees and flooded areas.
Ampatzidis and his research colleagues will tell growers about their findings, in hopes they can move to recoup their losses faster.
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
About AI at UF
The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is home to the most powerful, university-owned supercomputer in the nation, according to 2021 rankings released by TOP500, contributing to innovative research and education opportunities.

University of Florida scientists will use artificial intelligence technology to quantify damage to fruits and vegetables caused by extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Ian. When Ian struck on Sept. 28, it brought winds up to 155 mph and caused as much as $1.56 billion in damage to crops, livestock and aquaculture products in its […]

UF ag engineer to assess crop damage after tropical storms, hurricanes, using AI

Technology is rapidly advancing in many different industries, but what about agricultural technology? Drones? Artificial intelligence? How does this benefit farmers and does it benefit shoppers?  UF/IFAS experts Kati Migliaccio and Nathan Boyd sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in farming technology. We discuss how advances in ag technology not only help farmers [&#8230;]

Technology is rapidly advancing in many different industries, but what about agricultural technology? Drones? Artificial intelligence? How does this benefit farmers and does it benefit shoppers?<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> 
UF/IFAS experts Kati Migliaccio and Nathan Boyd sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in farming technology. We discuss how advances in ag technology not only help farmers but how those benefits trickle down and improve the options shoppers have in the grocery store. (And if you’re scared of robots and artificial intelligence taking over the world – this one is for you, too. We clear that up as well.) <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> 
Listen now on your <a href="https://fiomn.buzzsprout.com/share">favorite podcast platform</a>.
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-is-our-middle-name/id1650259579"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-32287 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="73" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2022/10/US_UK_Apple_Podcasts_Listen_Badge_RGB-300x73-1_blog.png"></a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3vBWWC9AozsmAeP9y5o67g"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-32291 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="77" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2022/10/Listen-on-Spotify-badge@2x-300x77_blog.png"></a>

Technology is rapidly advancing in many different industries, but what about agricultural technology? Drones? Artificial intelligence? How does this benefit farmers and does it benefit shoppers? 
UF/IFAS experts Kati Migliaccio and Nathan Boyd sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in farming technology. We discuss how advances in ag technology not only help farmers but how those benefits trickle down and improve the options shoppers have in the grocery store. (And if you’re scared of robots and artificial intelligence taking over the world – this one is for you, too. We clear that up as well.)  
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Technology is rapidly advancing in many different industries, but what about agricultural technology? Drones? Artificial intelligence? How does this benefit farmers and does it benefit shoppers?  UF/IFAS experts Kati Migliaccio and Nathan Boyd sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in farming technology. We discuss how advances in ag technology not only help farmers […]

Food is Our Middle Name podcast: What’s the deal with…farm technology?

Equipment

Equipos

The unmanned aircraft and all of the associated support equipment, control station, data links, telemetry, communications and navigation equipment, etc., necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or Drones)

Vehículos Aéreos No Tripulados (UAVs o Drones)

Browse AskIFAS Terms

Objects in this context subsume man-made, touchable things like &ldquo;equipment&rdquo; and &ldquo;furniture&rdquo;. [<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_330919">AGROVOC</a>]

Vehículos Aéreos No Tripulados (UAVs o Drones)

Publicaciones

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part I: Overview

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part II: Platforms and Payloads

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part III: Best Practices for Efficient Aerial Surveying

Drone Injuries and Safety Recommendations

Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Mission Planner: An Open-Source Alternative to Commercial Flight Planning Software for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Postflight Data Processing Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agricultural Applications

Preflight and Flight Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agricultural Applications

Types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Sensing Technologies, and Software for Agricultural Applications

WebODM: An Open-Source Alternative to Commercial Image Stitching Software for Uncrewed Aerial Systems

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Fire from the Sky

UF ag engineer to assess crop damage after tropical storms, hurricanes, using AI

Food is Our Middle Name podcast: What’s the deal with…farm technology?

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