Huron - Cooperative Elevator takes pride in being on the leading edge of Technology, so when they learned that drones were being uses in agricultural settings, they wanted more information. Upon meeting with Rantizo, an industry leader in Drone Spraying Equipment, the company concluded that drones would be useful in applying fungicides on crops in which the fields were too wet to take their ground equipment into. The company decided to invest in two new drones. During a meeting with Cooperative Elevator, Carl Osentoski of Huron County Economic Corporation identified a potential opportunity for GST Michigan Works! to help.

With the company’s recent investment in drone technology, specialized training was a priority. Deb Nowicki, Business Solutions Professional with GSTMW in Huron County was able to assist Cooperative Elevator with an Incumbent Worker Grant in the amount of $3,000 upskill current employees through Rantizo.

Evan Medvec, Advanced Agronomy Manager and Josh Leppeck successfully completed the Applications Services Pilot Drone Training Program. Each obtained Remote Pilot Licenses from the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, as well as their Commercial Pesticide Applicator license through Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

With these drones Evan and Josh are able to spot treat fields, get into smaller fields/areas where the larger equipment can’t reach, apply product in fields that are too wet to get the bigger rigs in, and apply treatment in fields with visual or physical obstructions. The drones weigh about 200 pounds and hold 8 gallons of liquid. They are able to cover about 60 acres in one hour. Evan and Josh have to file a flight plan with the FAA to get clearance each time they fly the drones. The future of agriculture is alive and well in the Thumb of Michigan!