Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College are proud to present the third annual Nebraska Agriculture and Spray Drone Conference, held at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk, Nebraska. Widely regarded as the Midwest’s premier agriculture drone event, the conference offers two full days of cutting-edge education, policy updates, and entrepreneurial networking centered around drone technology in agriculture.
Takeaways for Attendees
- Regulatory Clarity:
Constantly evolving drone regulations require operators to hold FAA Part 107 certification and a commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicator license (Category 12). Compliance with FAA Part 137 and Nebraska aerial pesticide laws is also necessary for drone-based chemical application. - Industry Innovation:
From lightweight UAVs to swarming, heavy-lift systems, spray drone technology is rapidly transforming crop protection, input delivery, mapping, and labor efficiency. - Economic Opportunity:
With a 2025 theme of “Entrepreneurship Opportunities with Drones,” this year’s event focuses on how to launch and scale drone-based services like precision applications, crop scouting, mapping, and aerial imaging across Nebraska and beyond.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into starting or expanding drone-related businesses. The business expo will feature emerging AgTech companies and service providers at the forefront of agricultural drone innovation.
Conference Highlights
- Speakers: 24 experts from across Nebraska, the U.S., and internationally — including Germany — will present on various drone-related topics.
- Exhibitors: 13 exhibitors and growing. Interested in exhibiting? Contact Dirk Charlson.
Sponsors
The conference is proudly sponsored by seven influential organizations:
- Platinum Sponsors:
Volitant Drone Technology Solutions, Total Drone Solutions, Pix4D Agriculture, Agri-Spray Drones, Rupprecht Law - Gold Sponsors:
Spraytec, Airstrike Ag - Silver Sponsor:
American Drone - Bronze Sponsor:
Norstar Precision Ag Solutions
For Certified Crop Advisors and Agronomists
Attendees can earn four CEUs in precision agriculture per day, making this a valuable continuing education opportunity for CCAs and agronomic professionals.
Join Us In-Person or Virtually
- Dates and Times:
Aug. 21 — 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug. 22 — 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Location:
Lifelong Learning Center
Northeast Community College
801 East Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 - Virtual Attendance:
A fully remote attendance option is available for those unable to join in person.
Register Early
- Early-Bird Bonus:
The first 75 in-person registrants on Day 1 will receive a complimentary copy of “The Evolution of Spray Drones: Their Capabilities and Challenges for Pesticide Applications” from Purdue University (thanks to American Drone). - Registration Fee:
$275 for both days (same rate for in-person and virtual), includes access to post-event recordings. - Discounts:
Reduced rates are available for students, educators, and University of Nebraska/Extension-affiliated participants with approval by Aug. 18. - Lodging:
Discounted hotel block at Hampton Inn Norfolk (~$110/night). Mention the drone conference when booking.
Don’t Miss This Event
The third Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference is a must-attend for anyone involved in modern agriculture — farmers, drone operators, ag entrepreneurs, educators, and policy leaders alike. With a dynamic lineup of speakers and exhibitors, and opportunities to network with leaders in the drone industry.
For more information, check out the conference website.
Bonus Opportunity: Mapping Drone Bootcamp Master Class
Stay an extra day! After the conference, join us for a Mapping Drone Bootcamp Master Class on Saturday, Aug. 23, hosted at the Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S 13th St., Norfolk, NE 68701.
This intensive, hands-on workshop provided by Airstrike Ag and Pix4D Agriculture will focus on drone mapping, image processing, and data interpretation using Pix4D and other cutting-edge tools.
More information and registration on the bootcamp is available online or by contacting Nathan Stein, 515-417-7247.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your mapping expertise, this master class is the perfect complement to the drone conference.
