2025 MSU Spring Spray Drone Fly-in

Michael Reinke<reinkem3@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Refine your spray drone skills at Michigan’s premier hands-on workshop.

drone spraying grassy area
Spray drone applying dyed water for swath testing. Photo by Mike Reinke.

Back for its second year, the 2025 MSU Spring Spray Drone Fly-in is an all-day educational event designed for both current and aspiring spray drone operators. This event combines expert-led discussions with hands-on demonstrations, providing valuable insights into optimizing drone-based chemical applications.

What to expect

  1. Morning Education Sessions: Learn from industry experts about best practices, regulations, and the latest research on spray drone applications in agriculture and related industries. Speakers will include:
    • Mark Ledebuhr (Application Insight LLC) – Fundamentals of chemical applications from drones
    • Mike Reinke (MSU Extension) – Updates on MSU spray drone research
    • Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)– Current state regulations for aerial applicators
    • Kirk Babcock (On Point Applications Group) and Bryan Hammis (Flying Acres LLC) – Current federal regulations and national and local industry support opportunities for aerial applicators
  2. Afternoon Demonstrations & Hands-On Testing:
    • Watch real-time swath testing and verification demonstrations
    • Certified drone pilots can bring their own spray drones to test swath settings using advanced collection technologies

The Michigan Spray Drone Spring Fly-in will be held at the Michigan State University Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (3775 S. Reese Road Frankenmuth, MI 48734) on April 29, 2025. Doors open at 8 a.m. with presentations starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Cost to attend is $50 per person. Registration link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MSUSpringSprayDroneFlyIn2025/.

Anyone wishing to test their own drone settings will be required to provide proof of certifications prior to the event (Part 107 license and 44807 exemption if over 55 lbs.). Michigan RUP credits have been applied for and will include aerial credits. If you have any questions, reach out to Mike Reinke, reinkem3@msu.edu or 573-239-0808. 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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