In Wisconsin, Drones Are a Farmer’s Best Friend and the FBI’s Biggest Headache

In the rolling fields of Wisconsin, a large drone banks gracefully over a cornfield, precisely spraying fertilizer on a patch of land that a heavy tractor could never reach. Miles away, an FBI agent games out a nightmare scenario: a similar drone, but this one carrying a toxic payload over a crowded stadium. This is the dual reality of the drone world in 2025. The same technology that is revolutionizing agriculture and saving farmers millions is also being viewed by law enforcement as one of the most significant emerging threats to public safety. Wisconsin State Farmer wrote about it and told us: It’s a classic double-edged sword, and it’s a conversation we all need to be having.

The Ultimate Farmhand

There is no doubt that drones are transforming farming. Companies like American Drone in Marshfield, Wisconsin, are at the forefront of this revolution. Sales manager Adam Meddaugh notes that just six years ago, they were spraying one or two acres a day. Today, their powerful T-60 drones can cover 500 acres a day. These aerial workhorses can apply herbicides, seed cover crops into standing corn, and reach wet, muddy areas of a field that would bog down a traditional tractor, preventing soil compaction and boosting yields. Drones are also being used to map silage tonnage, count Christmas trees, and use thermal cameras to spot crop stress before it becomes a major problem.

It’s no surprise that agriculture is projected to be the largest segment of the US drone market for the next few years. For farmers, it’s a simple calculation: drones are cheaper, faster, and more precise than the old ways of doing things.

The Dark Side of the Sky

But for every heroic farm drone, there’s a potential for misuse that keeps law enforcement up at night. FBI agent Scott Mahloch is on the front lines of this issue, warning about how the accessibility and power of drones make them an attractive tool for criminals and terrorists. The threats are varied and very real. Drones can be used to smuggle drugs and cell phones into prisons, a problem that is already rampant. They can be used to conduct illegal surveillance. And in the most terrifying scenario, they could be used to drop explosives or a chemical agent into a crowded public event, like the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which was a major focus of counter-drone security. The core of the problem, as Mahloch notes, is that cheap, commercially available drones have become incredibly capable. A drone that costs less than $1,000 can be modified to carry a payload, and the psychological impact of such an attack could be devastating.

A Balancing Act for the Future

This is the fundamental challenge facing the entire drone industry. How do we unlock the incredible positive potential of this technology while mitigating the risks of the bad actors? It’s a delicate balancing act. On one hand, we have amazing “drones for good” stories every single day—from saving swimmers in Florida to delivering medicine in Kansas. On the other, we have high-profile incidents of reckless flying, like the recent arrests at sporting events, that fuel public fear and lead to calls for stricter regulations. The answer lies in a combination of smart technology, like the robust geofencing in DJI drones, and a deep commitment to responsible piloting from the community itself.

The DroneXL Take

It is impossible to be in this industry and not think about this duality every single day. As a professional who uses these tools to create beautiful and useful things, I am a fierce advocate for their power. But I am also acutely aware that in the wrong hands, that power can be twisted into something ugly. The Wisconsin Farmer report is a perfect snapshot of our world. You have the incredible optimism of the agricultural drone boom, where this technology is helping to feed the world more efficiently. And in the same breath, you have the sobering reality check from the FBI.

“Real talk,” this is a responsibility that falls on all of us. The actions of one reckless or malicious pilot can create a tidal wave of negative public opinion and restrictive laws that hurt the millions of us who fly safely and ethically. We have to be the best ambassadors for this technology. We have to educate, we have to advocate for common-sense rules, and we have to call out bad behavior when we see it. The drone is a tool. It is a mirror that reflects the intent of its user. Our job, as the passionate core of this community, is to make sure that the reflection we show the world is one of innovation, responsibility, and incredible good.

Photographs courtesy of American Drone, Nuwayag and CropLife