By Scout Nelson
Kansas has taken a major step toward improving modern agriculture through advanced drone technology. Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced that Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been awarded $3M to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Systems for agricultural use.
These systems can help monitor fields, farmers, ranchers, agriculture businesses manage livestock, reduce input costs, and support precision agriculture across the state.
Governor Kelly highlighted the benefits of this initiative, saying, “Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up. Kansas' vast cropland and grassland acreage, as well as our diversified agriculture industry, make us the ideal location for these developments.”
The Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved the funding during the 2025 legislative session to support both agricultural and aviation technology. State leaders shared that Kansas’ strong workforce, history of aviation innovation, and manufacturing strength make it an ideal place for this research.
Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam stated, “Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas. This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”
Representative Avery Anderson, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget. added, “In applying for this funding, Kelly Hills worked with all our major aviation research institutions in Kansas, including Wichita State.”
Representative Jo Ella Hoye, Ranking Minority Member on the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget also shared, “This proposal draws from partnerships from around the state, including in Johnson County, to provide the next generation of technology for two of our states' largest industries: aviation and agriculture.”
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was founded in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services to bring advanced drones and autonomous ground vehicles into agriculture. Its mission is to improve precision, efficiency, and safety in farming operations.
CEO Lukas Koch emphasized the importance of the investment, stating, “This investment in Beyond Visual Line of Sight radar technology is a critical step toward establishing Kansas as a national leader in unmanned aviation.”
Kelly Hills works with the FAA, UAV manufacturers, and universities to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. In 2024, the company received an FAA license to operate a 49,000‑square‑mile UAV test range. The new BVLOS technology will further strengthen this testing environment.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Kansas, Education, Equipment & Machinery