Bill Would Ban Drones from Flying Over Farmsteads

The Iowa Senate has voted to expand a 2024 law that made it a crime to fly drones over animal feeding operations. 

The bill seeks to prohibit drones from being flown without permission over a farmstead that covers at least 40 acres and generates at least 15-thousand dollars in annual sales from livestock or other commodities. 

Senator Dan Zumbach, who farms near Ryan, says the bill also would prohibit drones from flying within 400 feet of farm animals, farm equipment, barns and a farmer’s home.

Zumbach says drones scare livestock in outdoor pens or pastures.

The bill passed the Senate on a 43-to-three vote and goes to the House for consideration.

story courtesy of Radio Iowa