You might remember that I flew remotely over Iceland several months ago, over the NE region of the island. While one of the last volcanic eruptions was ongoing, it was safe enough to fly drones by. As usual, the Nature’s Eye Island guide, Johann, was amazing enough to postpone my scheduled flight until the following day as the wind started picking up. Otherwise, the flight to the fuming crater would be long and dark at night, meaning boring. We flew in the morning and got some great pictures and captured videos, which was a new thing for them. That was awesome!
It will be even better once they figure out how to use an RC instead of the computer keyboard so we can acquire better footage. Don’t worry; in the meantime, your guide will take amazing footage for you as they fly these routes pretty much daily. The WOW factor? … checked!
The company does offer virtual classroom trips, which expose younger generation to STEM, encourage local conservation and helps sustain financial local communities. Transport yourself to African wildlife, Icelandic volcanos, Peruvian cloud forests, and more.
Grossmont
Once more, I went through the drone cinematography/videography class at Grossmont College. Spend two hours in a Zoom class with Skip Fredericks, and you will have learned tons (make sure you take notes). I added a lot of drone moves to my repertoire, and Skip went over what the drone industry is looking for. I made a list and kept practicing these moves and precision flights.
It might be boring to read, but “practice makes perfect” is no joke. I like to go out flying, and I recommend you draft a purpose every time. With so little time to fly, I want to make every minute of it meaningful.
It was also nice to see my classmates developing their tower inspection skills and getting tested by a Texas-based company for potential employment. And to not forget, the Palm Springs drone festival in March in California.
Surprise
Networking in person makes a big difference; however, whatever niche you choose, you must be persistent and patient. I got an email from a 2 year old networking event. They kept my email, and not only did they want my expertise in drones, but they also wanted someone who gets agriculture. I guess growing hundreds of Dragon Fruits does help, after all. After letting me know the budget for their grant, which I thought was for the whole project (buzz kill), my eyes lit up when she said it was all for my services. BINGO!!!!!
I made a proposal, which I ran through Skip Fredricks (Thanks!). It is now sent, and I hope this project will be accepted. It will surely give me enough work for at least a month. So, stay tuned, and lesson learned: spread your name around and never give up.
Networking
Talking about networking, one of the conferences I attended was “The Almond Convention”. Almonds are a 6 billion dollar industry for California, producing 80% of the world’s almonds. As such, the Almond Bureau of California ensures these nuts are on everybody’s mind. Their annual convention in Sacramento fostered 240 exhibitors. I barely had the time to visit everyone I wanted to meet on my list, along with all the discoveries.
They entertained a whole day of scientific research posters, during which I met Alfonso Torres from Utah State University. Their group is called T-REX. They receive funds from several large entities. They aim to develop tools that support agriculture and facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. I will discuss this further later, as I will meet with their team to get their up to date research with imaging, which, of course, includes drones.
Coming Up
Because I tend to get into crazy projects, I started not just one but 3 podcasts! One is where your food comes from, one is the role of agriculture drones in agriculture, and the last is dear to my heart: trailblazing women. I had to invite my friend Desi Ekstein as my first guest. I already have a lot of recommendations and ideas on who to invite next. I will be attending the World Ag Expo in February, and they have a woman in agriculture pavilion, so I look forward to meeting many remarkable trailblazers.
You can look for the “Green Farm 4 All” podcasts on Spotify!
Agriculture Drones
One of the podcasts is about the role of drones in agriculture. I bet most of you know drones can be used for imaging and spraying. However, spraying goes way beyond all the “cides” (pesticides, herbicides, etc) you can think of. You can disperse seeds for cover crops, and fertilizer, How about spraying pollen and beneficial insects? Several companies have business models along these lines. I have several invites to see them in action and can’t wait to have my drones and cameras record all of it.
The pollen dropped by drone is one more technology in the farmer’s toolbox. Anything to support the honeybees in their work. 100% of almonds produced depend on honey bees, and 90% of blueberries and cherries production depends on honey bees. However, they may not be as efficient in inclement temperatures and weather. Pollination is quite a science, and AI mixed with different types of bees can even increase crop yields.
To further my knowledge of drones’ role in agriculture, I will attend the third end-user spray drone conference in Mobile, Alabama, in March.
In Conclusion
I am having the time of my life. Everything I have learned in life—from being an athlete to wandering in nature and taking pictures as a teenager, being a veterinarian, and caring for live beings (bees to mammals)—is integrated into my everyday productions. Never underestimate the power of the off work skills. You are a whole person, bringing everything you’ve learned and experienced to the table.
Life is not linear; it’s full of unexpected turns, detours, fast-forwarding, etc. Enjoy the ride!
