Taking Flight: Interns Explore Drone Tech and Agriculture at GARD Center by Terell Phoenix, Jahlisha Michael, Ishmael Davis (MOA) Interns)

Today we visited the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center, where we were warmly welcomed into a space dedicated to building skills and promoting agricultural innovation.

Miss June Jackson, the Director of the GARD Center, proudly reminded us of the Centre’s core principle: “You eat what you grow.” She explained that the Center focuses on capacity building through a wide range of training programs—including hospitality, sewing, decorations, planting, crafts, basic baking, soap making, food processing, and product development.

Later in the day, we met Mr. Adrian Bowen, an Extension Officer, from the Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. Bowen is a part time instructor at the GARD Center training youths in hydroponics and drone technology. His goal is to expose us to new tools that can improve farming practices. He also works with the Ministry’s Extension Division, helping educate farmers on land distribution, cultural practices, spraying techniques, and more.

Mr. Bowen, who manages some of the systems at the Center, owns a few bee hives and is heavily involved in using drones to support agriculture. He noted that drones offer a clearer, more accurate view of land than traditional satellite maps—especially when boundaries are unclear or when surveying large plots.

Previously, they used DJI Air 2S drones, but they’ve now upgraded to the Air 3 for better mapping capabilities. Using multiple aerial images, they stitch them together to create detailed maps. Mr. Bowen highlighted that drones are especially useful for measuring land, though Google Earth is also a common tool. However, drones offer greater precision and flexibility.

Of course, drone use has challenges. Battery issues, like swelling and short lifespan, can be costly and frustrating—especially since each battery takes 90 minutes to recharge. Still, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for many agricultural applications.

Mr. Bowen walked us through the Air 3 drone’s controller functions: the left joystick controls altitude and rotation (limited to 300 feet above ground), while the right joystick allows forward, backward, and side-to-side movement.

Intern Samaar Davis shared that the technological aspect of agriculture was exciting and amusing—and she would definitely try it again. Intern Caiera Lee described her drone-flying experience as “amazing,” and said she’d also do it again.

As for me, Jahlisha Michaell, flying the drone was an incredible experience. It was my first time handling advanced equipment like that, and I’d absolutely jump at another opportunity to do it again.

Overall, the day left a strong, positive impression on all of us interns. We had a great time, learned a lot, and walked away more curious about the future of agriculture and technology.