Loren King is the last of the American Star Finalists that I was privileged enough to interview this year. He has a fascinating story that led him to be a finalist for the American Star in Agriscience.
Loren developed the technology to pull soil samples with a drone. While he still has hurdles to overcome, Loren figured out how to deploy a drone, drop it down in a field and assess the ph, temperature and moisture of the soil.
Loren was inspired by an article he read in the magazine, Popular Science. His technology went through several iterations. He finally figured out how to use a spring system that could penetrate the soil deep enough when he lands the drone. He does not transport the soil back to his location, but the probe that goes into the soil can give him readings in real time.
This sounds like the future of soil testing to me!
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Soil Testing With Drones
HIGH SCHOOL: Branch Area Career Center; Coldwater, Michigan
MASCOT: n/a
FFA ADVISOR: Ali Bassage
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LOREN KING:
Click on the picture below to be taken to the Branch Area Career Center’s Ag. Department’s website:
Loren’s FFA Advisor’s Email Address: n/a
Branch Area Career Center Telephone Number: (517) 279-5730
FFA LINKS:
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’s)
Donate to FFA – One way that FFA students are able to start small businesses is through an FFA grant of $1,000. In 2014, 141 FFA students received these grants. With your donations, more students can get this head start – pay it forward.
REASONS TO DONATE TO FFA:
“Because American farmers are able to provide for so many of us, they give more and more of us the freedom to pursue goals and livelihoods beyond growing the food we need to survive.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack
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