TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced a $3 million investment today to advance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology for agricultural applications. The funding will be awarded to Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, a Seneca-based company, to develop beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities for drones used in farming and ranching. This initiative aims to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and position Kansas as a leader in precision agriculture.
The investment, announced on February 19, 2026, represents a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technology into the state’s agricultural sector. Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of supporting Kansas farmers and ranchers with innovative tools. “Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Kelly said, according to a press release from her office. Kansas’ extensive farmland and diversified agricultural industry make it an ideal location for the development and implementation of these technologies.
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to Lead Development
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services with a specific focus on bringing advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground vehicles to Kansas agriculture. The company will utilize the $3 million to refine BVLOS technology, allowing drones to operate over longer distances without direct pilot visibility. This capability is crucial for efficiently monitoring large agricultural areas and collecting valuable data on crop health, irrigation needs, and pest infestations. More information about the company’s mission and services can be found on their website: https://kellyhills.us/.
Legislative Support and Industry Collaboration
The funding for this project was approved during the 2025 legislative session, demonstrating bipartisan support for advancing agricultural and aviation technology within the state. Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Secretary Mike Beam highlighted the strategic advantages of this investment. “Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas,” Beam said. “This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems is also partnering with Kansas State University’s ID3A (Institute for Digital Drives and Analytics) to further enhance drone technology and empower farmers. This collaboration, announced in January 2026, aims to shape the future of digital agriculture in Kansas. Learn more about the K-State partnership.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight Technology: A Game Changer for Agriculture
BVLOS technology is considered a critical advancement for the widespread adoption of drones in agriculture. Currently, regulations often require pilots to maintain visual contact with their drones, limiting their operational range and efficiency. Developing reliable and safe BVLOS systems will unlock the full potential of drones for tasks such as crop scouting, precision spraying, and livestock monitoring. The ability to cover larger areas more quickly and efficiently will translate into significant cost savings and increased productivity for Kansas farmers.
The Kansas Department of Transportation and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks are also collaborating with Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to ensure the safe and regulatory compliant operation of these advanced UAVs. This collaborative approach underscores the state’s commitment to responsible innovation in the aviation sector. Read more about Kelly Hills’ partnerships.
Impact and Future Outlook
This $3 million investment is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Kansas agricultural economy. By providing farmers with access to advanced drone technology, the state aims to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and create new job opportunities in the precision agriculture sector. The development of BVLOS capabilities will also position Kansas as a testing ground for future innovations in unmanned aerial systems.
The next steps involve Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems refining the BVLOS technology and conducting field trials with Kansas farmers and ranchers. The KDA will continue to monitor the project’s progress and assess its impact on the state’s agricultural industry. As drone technology continues to evolve, Kansas is poised to remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.
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