Kansas is investing in new drone technology designed to support precision agriculture.
Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced that Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems will receive $3 million to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Systems for agricultural use.
BVLOS technology allows drones to operate beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight. Because of this capability, producers can use drones across larger areas of farmland and rangeland.
Farmers and ranchers could use the technology to monitor crops, track livestock, and gather field data. In addition, the systems may help reduce input costs and improve production decisions.
Funding Supports Agricultural and Aviation Innovation
The Kansas Legislature approved the funding during the 2025 legislative session. The goal is to accelerate new technology at the intersection of agriculture and aviation.
State leaders say Kansas is well positioned for this type of development. The state has extensive cropland and grassland, a strong agricultural industry, and a long history in aviation manufacturing.
“Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said the project builds on the state’s history of innovation in agriculture and aviation.
Company Focuses on Precision Agriculture Technology
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems launched in 2024 through Heinen Brothers Agra Services. The company focuses on integrating unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous technology into agricultural operations.
Its goal is to improve efficiency, precision, and safety on farms and ranches.
In 2024, the company received an FAA license to operate a 49,000-square-mile unmanned aerial vehicle test range. The new BVLOS technology will support and expand testing within that range.
Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, said the investment is an important step toward expanding unmanned aviation in agriculture.
Research Partnerships Support Development
Kelly Hills works with several aviation and research partners. These include Wichita State University, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
These partnerships help ensure the technology meets safety and regulatory standards. At the same time, they support research and testing of new unmanned systems.
State lawmakers supporting the funding say the project highlights Kansas’ strengths in both agriculture and aviation. They also expect the work to support new business opportunities in agricultural technology.
As precision agriculture continues to evolve, technologies such as BVLOS drones may offer producers new tools to manage crops and livestock more efficiently.
