Comment from United Dairymen of Arizona

United Dairymen of Arizona appreciates the opportunity to comment in support of the FAA’s proposed rule to designate and restrict unmanned aircraft operations near critical fixed-site facilities. Arizona’s dairy farms are an essential part of the nation’s food supply, providing safe, nutritious milk while caring for thousands of animals every day. Unauthorized drone activity over dairy operations creates significant concerns for animal welfare, employee safety, biosecurity, operational security, and business continuity. Dairy cattle can be sensitive to unexpected disturbances, particularly during milking, calving, and handling activities. Low-flying drones have the potential to startle livestock, increasing the risk of injury to both animals and employees. They may also interfere with routine management practices and emergency responses. In addition, dairy farms maintain biosecurity protocols to protect animal health and the food supply. While drones may not directly transmit disease, unauthorized surveillance of facility layouts, security measures, and operational practices creates unnecessary vulnerabilities for agricultural operations that are part of our nation’s critical infrastructure. Arizona dairy producers recognize the many beneficial uses of drones in agriculture, including crop management, infrastructure inspection, and precision agriculture. However, these legitimate uses differ significantly from unauthorized drone operations conducted without the knowledge or consent of facility owners. As a cooperative representing dairy producers across Arizona, United Dairymen of Arizona is committed to advancing animal well-being, employee safety, environmental stewardship, and a secure food supply. This proposed rule supports those shared objectives. We support the FAA’s efforts to provide a mechanism for restricting unauthorized drone operations over designated agricultural facilities where appropriate. Doing so will help protect livestock, employees, food production, and critical agricultural infrastructure while preserving the ability for responsible and authorized drone use. Thank you for considering these comments. Submitted on behalf of the dairy producers of United Dairymen of Arizona.