- Slice of Agriculture
- Posts
- University of Kentucky Secures $910K USDA Grant for Drone Research in Cattle Management
University of Kentucky Secures $910K USDA Grant for Drone Research in Cattle Management
Slice of Agriculture Team
September 23, 2024
Key Highlights:
$910,000 USDA grant awarded to UK for drone research in cattle management.
Focus on cattle herding, monitoring, and physiological data collection using drones.
Development of semi-autonomous drone systems tailored to cattle behavior.
Research on estimating cattle weight with drone-captured 3D models.
Economic feasibility and potential cost-effectiveness of drone use in livestock management.
Source: Direct
Notable Quotes:
“We’ve previously worked on cattle monitoring using drones, but now our team is exploring how these drones can be used for herding. The potential to estimate cattle weight without ever having to physically handle the animals is exciting.”
“We’ve come a long way in just a few years researching drone use for livestock management and are looking forward to where this project leads us.”
Our Take:
This groundbreaking research from the University of Kentucky has the potential to transform cattle management by integrating advanced drone technology. By addressing labor efficiency, animal welfare, and operational costs, this project promises to revolutionize livestock management. The interdisciplinary approach, focusing on real-world applications like herding and weight estimation, highlights the long-term value this technology could bring to farmers. If economically viable, drones could offer a scalable solution for cattle producers, potentially changing the landscape of agriculture.