MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is closely monitoring recent federal actions related to potential restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured drones used in U.S. agriculture and the possible impacts on soybean farmers.

Precision agriculture tools, including drones, play a critical role in helping farmers manage input costs, monitor crop health and operate more efficiently. Because foreign-manufactured drones make up a significant share of the agricultural drone market, abrupt restrictions without viable domestic alternatives could place additional financial and operational strain on farmers already navigating tight margins and market uncertainty.

WSA recognizes the importance of addressing national security concerns while ensuring farmers are not left without workable tools to manage their operations.

“Wisconsin soybean farmers rely on precision technology to make informed decisions in the field and remain competitive in a challenging farm economy,” said Doug Rebout, president of WSA and a Janesville soybean farmer.  “National security matters, but it’s just as important for policymakers to weigh how these decisions play out on the farm. Removing reliable technology without practical alternatives creates new costs and uncertainty for farmers who are already operating on thin margins.”

The Wisconsin Soybean Association supports policies that protect farmers’ access to reliable precision agriculture tools, broadband connectivity, GPS systems and spectrum resources essential to modern farming. WSA urges policymakers and federal agencies to work collaboratively with agriculture stakeholders to address security concerns while preserving farmers’ ability to use effective, affordable technology in their operations.

About the Wisconsin Soybean Association

Established in 1973, the Wisconsin Soybean Association represents nearly 17,000 Wisconsin soybean farmers and works to advocate for policies that support a strong, profitable and sustainable soybean industry at the state and national levels.