Post-Conference Workshops
Expand Your Knowledge – Refine Skills – Connect with Peers
Join a group of attendees after the conference to dive deeper on spray drones and gain practical insights on what it really takes to make them a viable,
scalable part of their operations. This workshop covers the key operational, financial, and regulatory factors for successful adoption.
Takeaways
Earn CEUs: Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating in the workshop.
Assess the Business Case: Learn how to evaluate ROI, pricing models, and service demand for spray drones in ag retail.
Understand Logistics & Scalability: Explore training, personnel, and operational factors for launching and managing a drone service.
Know Your Tech: Get a breakdown of drone capabilities, battery life, payload capacity, and mapping integration.
Navigate Compliance & Risk: Gain clarity on FAA regulations, licensing, liability, and insurance.
Hear From Retailers Who’ve Done It: Learn from real-world examples of successful drone adoption in ag retail.
Who Should Attend?
Ag Retailers (Owners, Managers, Precision Ag Leads)
Custom Applicators
Agronomists & Crop Advisors
Precision Agriculture Advisors and Specialists
Operations & Technology Leads at Co-ops & Independent Retailers
Drone Operators and businesses looking to align with ag retail
Distributor Reps Seeking to Understand Retailer Needs
Academic Instructors
2025 Post-Conference Workshop (Add On)
Spray Drones & Ag Retail: Finding the Sweet Spot for Profitability
Spray drones are generating buzz in ag retail—but how do they fit into your business? This workshop will break down the real-world opportunities and challenges of adopting drone technology. From return on investment and service models to logistics, training, and regulations, attendees will gain practical insights on what it takes to make spray drones a viable, scalable part of their operations.
CEUs (Continuing Education Units):
Integrated Pest Management CEUs: 0.5; Crop Management CEUs: 1; Professional Development CEUs: 0.5; Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Sponsored by:
Part 1: Lunch and Introduction to Workshop
- Networking Lunch
- Overview of the session and objectives
- Introduction of Agri Spray Drones sponsor
Part 2: The Ag Retail Opportunity: Making Drones Make Business Sense
- Where do spray drones fit in an ag retailer’s business model?
- Own-your-fleet model versus partner-with-a-provider model
- Understanding ROI: Cost considerations, pricing structures, and revenue potential
- Pricing strategies, bundling with chem sales, and marketing to growers
- Logistics, training, and scalability: What’s needed to operationalize drones in retail
- Staffing: Recruiting talent, training pathways, and seasonal flexibility
- Examples of successful retail-based drone service models
- Where does swarming fit in?
Part 3: Best Practices & Considerations for Effective Drone Applications
- Calibration, swath testing and other considerations for effective applications
- Selecting application parameters and maximizing drone efficiency
- Pesticide/fungicide efficacy and performance at low GPA applications
- When it works best vs. where traditional application is still preferred
- Results from university research trials
Part 4: Gearing Up to Fly: Equipment, Integration, and What It Really Takes to Run Drones
- Use case vs. capability: Matching drone specs to field conditions and service needs
- Must-know factors: Battery life, payload capacity, flight time, and coverage efficiency
- Fleet support: Why drones are just the start and what you need to know—trailers, batteries, spare parts stocking strategies, and the full mobile setup
- Evaluating software: Mapping tools, AI-driven insights, and compatibility with agronomy platforms
- Planning for the upgrade cycle: What iPhone-style drone releases mean for your budget
- Interactive Q&A: What questions should you ask when choosing a drone provider?
Part 5: Navigating Regulations & Compliance for Drones
- FAA and state-level regulations for drone applications
- Licensing, certifications, and operational compliance for ag retailers
- Managing liability, insurance, and risk considerations
- Case Study: Compliance challenges and solutions from a retailer’s perspective
- Q&A with a regulatory expert
Workshop Chair and Panelists
