Drones Help Michigan 4-H Youth Discover Agriculture, Aviation Careers

A 4-H program coordinator says growing interest in drone technology is creating new opportunities for young people to explore careers in aviation and agriculture.

Michigan 4-H’s Sue Beerens in Missaukee County says, “I think 4-H has been a huge impact in our area on teaching kids what kind of careers they can go into, that the sky’s the limit.”

“What are your passions? What do you want to do?” she says leaders are helping members discern.

Beerens recently helped create one of the first aviation-focused 4-H clubs in the state.

“All these things come back to the kids thinking outside the box and how can they use this technology in the future to make decisions,” she says. “When they’re out in the workforce, they’re making decisions on how much do I spray? Where can I go? What fields fit the drone aspect?”

In partnership with Wexford County 4-H and the local county airport, community leaders have also started the Future Flyers Aviation Camp to show youth connections between aviation, agriculture, and technology.

Beerens says volunteers who share their time and talents have been essential for the program’s success.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Wouldn’t it have been a blast if this type of technology and 4-H programs were around when I was growing up. This just sounds like so much fun and a wonderful learning opportunity. Hats off to the 4-H agent in those counties who developed this innovative approach so the youth could explore and open their minds to new ways to look at agriculture and aviation as potential career options.

Supporting programs like 4-H and FFA in your local area or state-wide can expose your dealership to those young people involved and also put you front and center with their parents. There are many ways you can connect with agriculture, but this one should be a high priority.