SENECA (KSNT) – The State of Kansas is awarding $3 million to a Seneca-based aviation company that specializes in unmanned aircraft.
Grace Hoge with the Office of the Governor said in a press release on Feb. 19 that Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Agriculture have awarded $3 million to develop beyond visual line of sight unmanned aerial systems technology for agricultural use. The cash will go to Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems in Seneca to develop technology that can be used by farmers, ranchers and others to improve crop yields and cut costs.
“Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Kelly said. “Kansas’ vast cropland and grassland acreage, as well as our diversified agriculture industry, make us the ideal location for these developments.”
The Kansas Legislature and Kelly gave the green light for the funding during the 2025 legislative session to help push the development of agricultural and aviation technology in Kansas. Hoge said the move is seen as ideal given Kansas’ workforce, strong manufacturing base and leadership role in precision agriculture and aviation technology.
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“Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas,” said KDA Secretary Mike Beam. “This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”
The Heinen Brothers Agra Services established Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems in 2024 with the purpose of bringing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous ground vehicles into Kansas’ agricultural sector. The mission of the company is to enhance farming operations by integrating the latest technology that improves efficiency, safety and precision.
“This investment in Beyond Visual Line of Sight radar technology is a critical step toward establishing Kansas as a national leader in unmanned aviation. The support from Governor Kelly, Representative Anderson, Senator Bowser, and other key legislators sends a clear signal that Kansas intends to lead in both advanced aviation and precision agriculture,” said Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems. “Kelly Hills is focused on commercializing UAS technology and strengthening an internationally recognized testing environment that attracts federal partnerships, private investment, and next generation jobs.”
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