Grant Builds on Kansas’ Strengths in Agriculture and Aviation Research
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been awarded $3 million to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology for agricultural use. This technology can be used by farmers, ranchers, and agriculture business retailers to improve yields, cut input costs, manage livestock, and expand opportunities for precision agriculture development in the state of Kansas.
“Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas’ vast cropland and grassland acreage, as well as our diversified agriculture industry, make us the ideal location for these developments.”
The funding was approved by the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly during the 2025 legislative session to accelerate the development of agricultural and aviation technology in Kansas given the state’s workforce, strong manufacturing base, and role as a leader in precision agriculture and aviation technology.
“Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”
“In applying for this funding, Kelly Hills worked with all our major aviation research institutions in Kansas, including Wichita State,” said Representative Avery Anderson, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget. “This grant shows that there is no better place for businesses interested in innovative aviation and agriculture technology than right here in Kansas.”
“My district is full of some of the best farmers and ranchers in the state,” said Senator Craig Bowser, 1st District. “It only makes sense that companies like Kelly Hills would want to do research here on new and emerging technologies to benefit our farmers and ranchers.”
“This proposal draws from partnerships from around the state, including in Johnson County, to provide the next generation of technology for two of our states’ largest industries: aviation and agriculture,” said Representative Jo Ella Hoye, Ranking Minority Member on the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget. “This research will help create opportunities for small businesses to bring new products to market that benefit the entire state’s economy. My family has three generations of ag pilots, so I am looking forward to the potential for safety improvements while simultaneously preserving the bountiful contributions from aerial applicators.”
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services to bring advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground vehicles into the agricultural sector. Kelly Hills’ mission is to enhance farming operations by integrating cutting-edge technology that improves precision, efficiency, and safety.
“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.”
Kelly Hills works closely with leading UAV manufacturers and collaborates with the FAA, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to ensure operations meet the highest safety and regulatory standards. In 2024, Kelly Hills earned an FAA license to operate a 49,000 sq mile UAV test range. The BVLOS technology will support and enhance the capabilities of the Kelly Hills range.
