By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Agricultural Training School (KATS), in collaboration with University of Kentucky faculty from the plant pathology and biosystems and agricultural engineering departments, is hosting a hands-on workshop focused on optimizing spray applications through swath width testing.
The event will give agricultural applicators a chance to learn from the latest research while testing their own spray drones.
The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST at UKREC-Princeton, 300 Extension Farm Road, Princeton, KY 42445.
The day begins with registration at 10 a.m., followed by presentations starting at 10:30 a.m., and lunch. Participants will then move outdoors to conduct drone testing. Applicators will fly their drones over a set swath collection apparatus while UK faculty and staff analyze coverage patterns. Each participant will receive a detailed data report via email after the session.
Two ticket options are available: Option 1 ($65) allows participants to fly their compliant drones for hands-on swath testing.
Drones must meet FAA requirements, including Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, registration, and Remote ID compliance. The testing uses a washable, food-safe dye, with no pesticides applied.
Option 2 ($35) allows attendees to join the presentations, lunch, and observe drone testing.
For questions or more details, contact Lori Rogers at lori.rogers@uky.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Kentucky, Education