U.S. Farms Adopt Drones and Smart Tech to Cut Emissions

Farmers across America are discovering that cutting-edge technology can help them protect the planet while saving money at the same time.

A new Environmental Defense Fund report analyzed nearly 400 companies and innovations transforming agriculture into a climate-smart industry. The technologies range from drones that monitor crop health to sensors that prevent overuse of fertilizer, giving farmers precision control over every input.

Rodney Koch farms near Garretson, South Dakota, using machinery equipped with automatic shut-offs that keep fertilizer and other inputs in check. He's constantly looking for better ways to care for his land.

"Just because we've done things the way we've done them doesn't mean that they're always necessarily the right or the best way," Koch said. "So I continue to try to look for ways to improve."

Remote sensing technology allows farmers to see exactly which parts of their fields need attention. Instead of spraying entire acres with fertilizer, they can target specific areas that need help, reducing waste and runoff.

But the path to innovation isn't always smooth. Koch acknowledges that upfront costs make it challenging for farmers to experiment with new technologies, especially on smaller operations.

The report identifies several barriers slowing adoption, including lack of awareness, limited digital literacy, and insufficient access to training programs. The authors recommend expanding public-private partnerships, competitive grants, and demonstration projects so farms of all sizes can test these tools with confidence.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond individual farms. Agriculture currently accounts for more than 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and remains the nation's largest source of methane and nitrous oxide pollution.

Expanding these innovations helps address climate impacts while cutting farmers' operating costs. The technology makes operations more competitive, proving that environmental stewardship and profitability can work hand in hand.

Koch believes both public and private sectors should focus less on maximizing yield and more on quality and sustainability. "Yeah, we might not have the top yield in the country, but we don't need it," he said. "We need to be able to take care of our land."

Federal programs already exist to help farmers transition to climate-smart practices, but Koch feels stronger incentives and clearer messaging could accelerate adoption. As more farmers share success stories, the momentum for sustainable agriculture continues to build across rural America.