Could an activist flying a drone be spying on your private property? Livestock producers are being warned about the potential trespassing in Nebraska.

Amanda Radke

May 14, 2017

2 Min Read
Watch out for activist drones
Flickr User Andrew Turner

For cattlemen, I think part of the appeal of being in this business is enjoying the wide open spaces, breathtaking views and privacy of living in a remote rural area.

However, for some, that peace and quiet is being interrupted by a buzzing noise overhead.

It’s a drone, and activists could be the ones flying them over your operation.

Cattlemen in south central Nebraska are being warned about possible drone flights over their operations.

Pete McClymont, executive vice president of the Nebraska Cattlemen, tells 1049 Max Country radio that his organization has learned from members and local law enforcement officials that activists from the group SHARK could be attempting to fly drones over feedlots and around the Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center, Neb.

This is not the first time these activists have done this. According to the report, the activists, “could be back in the area attempting to get drone footage of dead stock. McClymont says they may be in the Franklin County area, as well. There was a report of a black pickup with Illinois plates possibly taking photos near a Custer County feedlot, but that was not confirmed.”

McClymont is advising producers to be on the lookout and keep any dead livestock hidden from view before rendering services come.

Additionally, producers are encouraged to contact local law enforcement if they feel drones, or trespassers on foot or vehicle, are invading their privacy.

First activists went undercover as employees trying to find fault in livestock producers, now they are simply going to spy on you with the latest technology. As always, if we keep doing what is right by our land and livestock, we have nothing to worry about. However, activists should be reminded of the laws in this country, and playing Big Brother by sneaking around is an extreme invasion of privacy.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Penton Agriculture.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
BEEF Magazine is the source for beef production, management and market news.

You May Also Like