Agriculture drives about $13 billion of Louisiana’s economy, and a new partnership is helping the industry modernize. LSU of Alexandria (LSUA), the LSU AgCenter, and Louisiana drone company Guardian Aerial are teaming up to expand precision agriculture, through the use of tools like sensors and drones to improve farm efficiency and decision-making.
Guardian Aerial founder Clinton Giglio, a former military and EMS helicopter pilot, saw a gap in Louisiana’s agricultural drone market and launched his company to fill it. The collaboration is centered on sprayer drones, a fast-emerging technology that can apply fertilizers and crop treatments more precisely, especially when field conditions make traditional equipment harder to use.
Because sprayer drones are still new to many farmers, LSU AgCenter researchers are working quickly to test and document their benefits under Louisiana conditions. Farmers like Paul Van Mol see drones as a practical tool for better timing and crop management.
LSUA is also expanding training so students can become licensed remote pilots and enter agriculture-tech careers locally. Leaders across the partnership say this approach can reduce costs for farmers, increase statewide efficiency, and create a Louisiana-based workforce to support a crucial industry.
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