Central Illinois Ag Adds Flying AG to Its Product Lines Offering

[September 17, 2015]  ATLANTA - Central Illinois Ag has partnered with Flying AG, a leading-edge agricultural imagery business founded by four farmers and growers from Illinois, Indiana and California. The founders of Flying AG have been utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in their own operations and have joined forces to offer innovative new solutions to the agricultural marketplace.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a term that has been used frequently within the agriculture industry. UAVs are the most cost-effective and time-sensitive tool when growers want to produce quality images of their property.

Central Illinois Ag will have three UAVs available for purchase: DJI Phantom 3 Vision quadcopter, DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter, and a fixed wing AgEagle Rapid. When purchased from Central Illinois Ag, these imagery UAVs will be ready to fly and come fully equipped with additional batteries and storage; all units include a hands-on training session.

The three imagery UAVs are we will offer are flown using the latest technology and include the ability to produce 750HD video and NDVI thermal images, which are then available on a mobile device instantly.

Jay Westervelt, a grower from Mason City, has owned a UAV for two years. “It will be convenient for Central Illinois Ag to team up with Flying AG. The ability to have a local dealer will allow me to stay up to date with the latest upgrades and technology,” Westervelt said.

Central Illinois Ag is a family owned and operated Case IH dealership with roots dating back to 1889. Serving growers throughout the United States and various countries, the equipment dealership is based in Atlanta, Clinton, Farmer City, and Mason City, Illinois. To learn more about Central Illinois Ag, visit: www.centralil ag.com. 

“Central Illinois Ag has become more than an equipment dealership; we’ve grown to also become a technology based company to best help the farmer,” said Michael Schmidt, fifth-generation owner of Central Illinois Ag.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows individuals to fly UAV’s for personal and recreational use. To learn more about the FAA guidelines, visit: www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org .

[Abby Coers, Central Illinois Ag]