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Ag Aviation Featured on The Scoop Podcast Focusing on Cutting Edge Technologies for the Industry’s Future

NAAA CEO Andrew Moore was featured on The Scoop Podcast (Episode 193: What Every Ag Retailer Should Know About Ag Aviation), released on April 17. The Scoop Podcast has 700+ podcast downloads per month. The Daily Scoop eNewsletter has a readership of 27,000 ag retailers, crop consultants and farmers. During the episode, he offered a deep dive into the evolving world of agricultural aviation.

Moore shared that ag aviation is a 104-year-old industry, continually growing technologically over the industry’s first century. As of 2017, there were 1,560 ag aviation businesses in the U.S and stated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently counts 1,082 spray drone operations with part 137 certificates.  Every year, aerial applicators treat approximately 127 million acres of U.S. cropland (not including pasture, rangeland, forestry and public health spraying). Of that, uncrewed aircraft cover around 10.3 million acres annually, according to the American Spray Drone Coalition.

Moore shared that a Texas A&M study highlighted the significant impact of aerial application: the top five treated crops see yield gains worth $37 billion annually. Reproducing that yield through traditional replanting would require an additional 24.7 million acres—roughly the size of Tennessee.

Moore focused on how the industry continually embraces technology, such as faster, more efficient aircraft and GPS-linked anemometers, to make even more effective and precise applications.  He also stated that the industry is working to update the computer coding of the atmospheric drift model, AGDISP, allowing these technologies and new ones to be factored into the spray model.  As a result, future product labels may reward those embracing such drift reduction technologies and not be based on worst cast scenarios.  In addition, risk decisions could become site-specific thanks to improvements in drift modeling.

Moore emphasized that with a global population now at 8.2 billion and climbing, the demand for efficient, large-scale agriculture is more urgent than ever. Ag aviation is uniquely positioned to help meet this need. “If you want the job done quickly and effectively to maximize yields, aerial application is a great way to go,” Moore says.

For ag retailers looking to partner with aerial applicators, Moore offered some advice: seek operators who are members of the NAAA and state associations. These memberships reflect professionalism and ongoing education. Be patient with delays in applications and always communicate field hazards to your applicator. He also stated that for those using drones to always give right of way to manned aircraft.   He closed by informing those trying to find an aerial applicator near them to visit the Find An Aerial Applicator database on agaviation.org, the NAAA website.

 Listen to the podcast here.

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Arkansas Ag Aviation Association Successful Enacting Legislation Keeping Wind Turbines at Bay

The Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act passed out of both the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate last week with significant restrictions on the wind industry in Arkansas, where currently there were no such restrictions. The bill requires significant setbacks for wind turbines from aquifers, towns, property and the like which should keep aerial applicators free from them encumbering their ability to treat Arkansas agricultural land. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the bill this week putting these new restrictions on wind turbines into law.

This is a huge win for the industry in the Natural State, especially considering such setbacks never existed when the legislation was first introduced.  Thanks to the effort of the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association (AAAA) changes were made to protect ag aviators.  AAAA acknowledges their lobbyist, Joe Jett; Cole Hartley, Matt Woolard, Jeff Tidwell, and Seth Speight, who testified before the legislature on behalf of the industry about the bill; and Tracey and Dennie Stokes, Jeremy and Lindsay Chambers, Jeremy Folden, Darin Walton, Janet Miles, and Jacob Tidwell.

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Ready to Become an Operation SAFE Analyst? Attend Training in June – Starkville, MS 

WRK of Arkansas will be conducting an Operation SAFE Analyst training course June 2-6 at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. Two packed days of classroom instruction will be followed by a student-led pattern testing clinic. 

This training will be appropriate for anyone who wants to become an Operation SAFE Analyst or Technician. It will also be a good refresher for anyone wanting an update on the latest analysis equipment and ag aviation research. If you need to be recertified as an analyst or technician, this training will also cover that. All graduates will have their names submitted to NAAREF for approval as either an analyst or technician. 

The demand for Operation SAFE continues to grow amidst an insufficient supply of analysts. This training is your opportunity to learn how to operate the flight line data collection system and use the analysis software. More importantly, it is the most expeditious method to gain knowledge on how to interpret ag aircraft application patterns and make recommendations. If you are interested in attending, contact Dennis Gardisser at (501) 676-1762. 

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Support the Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament on June 2; Proceeds Support  Aviation Safety Education

The Second Annual Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament is set to tee off on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the scenic Grand Forks Country Club in Grand Forks, ND, and all are invited to be part of a special day and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause. Register today or support the tournament with a donation here.

Tylor Johnson lived a life fueled by passion and purpose. As a third-generation aerial applicator, he soared above the landscapes he loved, dedicated to both the craft of flying and the vital role of supporting agriculture.

Tragically, Tylor’s life was cut short in a devastating accident when his plane struck a guy wire during a routine flight. It was a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by aerial applicators every day. In the wake of this tragedy, the Tylor Johnson Legacy Foundation was established to honor Tylor’s memory which advocates for increased safety measures that protect other pilots and continuing his legacy of care and commitment to the industry.

The Annual Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament honors his legacy by bringing people together for a day that mirrors his love for both the game of golf and the people in his life.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
  • Location: Grand Forks Country Club, Grand Forks, ND
  • Shotgun Start: 9:00 AM (Registration & Breakfast at 8:00 AM)
  • Format: 4-Person Scramble
  • Entry Fee: $850 per team (includes golf, cart, breakfast, and lunch)

A Legacy of Giving:

Last year, the tournament raised $25,000 to fund the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course at the 2024 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo. This essential training, offered free of charge to aerial applicators, is helping create safer skies across the nation. Participating this year directly contributes to continued efforts that save lives and improve safety within the ag aviation industry.

How You Can Help:

Both players and sponsors are encouraged to participate and make this year’s event successful. Whether you’re joining for a round of golf, contributing to the auction, or just coming out to enjoy a day filled with good company, your support will make a real impact. To participate in the tournament click here.  Support the foundation with a donation here if you can’t make it in person.  It’s a great cause to support!

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Exhibitor Details for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo: Booth Sales for Aircraft & Large Booth Space Now Open

Join us for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo in Reno, Nov. 17-19. In addition to attending the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo, explore Reno.  The city is a fast-growing city that offers numerous dining and libation options. The Midtown District is home to many local bars with live music, offering local artists’ murals and each offers a unique atmosphere. For naturalists and skiers, nearby Lake Tahoe is well worth a trip. Explore the area at www.visitrenotahoe.com.

Booth Sales for Aircraft & Large Booth Space Now Open: If you plan to bring an aircraft, need a 20’x20’+ island booth, a 10’x30’+ inline booth or plan to be a Diamond or Platinum sponsor, please contact Lindsay Barber ASAP. To ensure the best placement on the trade show floor, we would appreciate knowing about aircraft and large booth spaces by early May. 10×10 and 10×20 booth space sales will begin on July 10 at 12 p.m. ET.

The NAAA Trade Show will take place Nov. 18, 12 p.m.–5:30 p.m. and Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Review the NAAA Exhibitor Prospectus and exhibitor webpage for further details and pricing here. The full schedule of events is available here.

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In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter

Click here for the April 17, 2025 eNewsletter to read:

  • NAAA Drone Safety Press Release Sparks PR Campaign
  • NAAA Addresses the Florida Mosquito Control Association Annual Fly-In
  • NAAA Hosts Virtual Meeting with State and Regional Associations to Strengthen Advocacy and Safety Across the Industry
  • Former NAAA President Harold Hardcastle Passes
  • Longtime Ag Aviation Pioneer Bill Hubler of Idaho Passes
  • Exhibitor Details for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo: Booth Sales for Aircraft & Large Booth Space Now Open
  • FAA’s GA Survey Data Collection for 2024 is Underway

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