🌽 Russell Hedrick – North Carolina’s first-generation farmer who set records with drones
🔥 Introduction
Russell Hedrick, a former firefighter, didn’t inherit a farm when he started farming. But he had the passion to adopt new technologies. And when he incorporated technologies like drones and RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) into his farming, he didn’t just grow crops — he made history.
🚁 Drones increased productivity
Russell started using drones in his first year, which gave him centimeter-level accuracy. He gave his crops only the fertilizer and spray they needed — no more, no less.
The result?
Corn and soybean yields double
State record soybean yield in 2021
World record dryland corn yield in 2022
🌎 Progress of the whole village, not just yourself
Russell believes that the benefits of drone technology are not limited to just one farmer. When a farmer’s yield increases, his income increases, the local economy also strengthens.
He says that if American agriculture is to remain competitive globally, then widespread use of technologies like drones is necessary.
💰 Benefits of drones in Russell’s view
Increase in production
Proper use of natural resources
More profit at low cost
New jobs to the local community
🔚 Conclusion
Russell Hedrick’s story is an inspiration to all those farmers who think that technology is only for those with big budgets. The truth is that drones are the weapon of every farmer today who wants to do smart farming.
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