Hello all! Just wanted to mention what’s currently big news with the DJI brand and the US government. Long story short, big US drone brands and lobbyists pushed for the US gov to kick (some) Chinese made drones (and other frequency generating products) out of the US markets for both consumers and government use, due to “possible” Chinese spying, through back doors in the tech and software. I don’t know how much of that I personally buy into. I know the CCP does like to be sneaky like that, but I personally believe this is more about securing US customers and their $$ than an actual security threat. DJI is one of the main targets of this witch hunt. Come Dec. 23rd 2025, no NEW products will be approved by the FCC going forward, if some mysterious mystery entity doesn’t perform an audit on DJI. If an audit is conducted and they pass, Yay! No further issues. If they conduct the audit and they fail, no new DJI products that give off radio frequencies. But seeing as no entity was tasked with doing the audit, it’s not likely to actually happen at all, causing the default prohibition of new models (also potential retro-active “ban” of drones released in 2025). All we can do at this time is wait and see what happens. This “ban” should not brick existing models, cause any firmware issues, parts shortages or restrict previously sold models, just restrict NEW models from getting approval to be sold here. This may cause a minor price hike on all DJI models, until the initial dust settles, in the new year. With all of this in mind….. What alternative brands/models are you using, researching or anticipating release of, to replace or alternatively purchase, besides DJI? I’ve been looking at the Freefly and Skydio brands. I think I’m leaning more towards Freefly, due to Skydio’s part in the issues with DJI. The Freefly Astro series is really cool and comes in a base model and a NDAA/Blue (for gov work) versions. They’re just so damned expensive! 😂 Chime in and give us your thoughts on either subject, as I’m curious to see how others are pivoting around the DJI debacle.

The integration of drones into agriculture has revolutionized various farming practices, notably in the application of pesticides and fertilizers. A key area of interest is the comparison between the application rates of drones and traditional sprayers, particularly in terms of gallons per acre (GPA). Application Rates: Drones vs. Traditional Sprayers Traditional ground-based sprayers typically apply pesticides and fertilizers at rates ranging from 10 to 20 GPA. This higher volume ensures thorough coverage but can lead to increased soil compaction and potential crop damage due to the weight of the equipment. In contrast, drones generally operate at much lower application rates, usually between 1.5 to 2 GPA. This reduction in volume is made possible by the drones’ ability to deliver more precise and targeted applications. A study by Purdue University explored the efficacy of drone-applied fungicides in soybean fields. The research compared drone application rates of 2 and 5 GPA to traditional ground rig applications at 20 GPA. The findings indicated that drone applications were as effective as ground-based methods in reducing diseases like frogeye leaf spot. Additionally, the lower volume applications by drones did not compromise yield, suggesting that drones can achieve similar disease control with less carrier volume. Advantages of Drone Applications 1. Precision and Efficiency: Drones can navigate challenging terrains and access areas that may be difficult for traditional equipment, ensuring uniform application across the field. 2. Reduced Soil Compaction: Unlike heavy machinery, drones do not exert pressure on the soil, preserving soil structure and health. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Lower application volumes can lead to reduced chemical costs and decreased water usage. 4. Environmental Impact: The precision of drones minimizes the risk of over-application and reduces potential runoff, promoting environmental sustainability. Challenges and Considerations

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