GPS Testing Near Fort Hood Threatens Central Texas Farming

Scheduled interference testing could disrupt precision agriculture operations for weeks

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:23pm

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The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about scheduled GPS interference testing centered around Fort Hood in Central Texas. The testing, which is set to take place over several weeks in February, could significantly impact local farmers who rely on GPS technology for precision agriculture operations like applying fertilizers and pesticides. The disruption to GPS signals could affect efficiency and costs for these farmers.

Why it matters

Precision agriculture using GPS technology has become essential for many farmers to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Any disruption to GPS signals could have a major impact on their operations, potentially leading to wasted resources, higher expenses, and reduced yields.

The details

The GPS interference testing is scheduled to take place from February 2-27, with the majority of the testing occurring from 11 PM to 5 AM local time. The test area covers a wide region including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Central Texas farmer Case Hungate explained that the GPS technology is critical for precisely applying fertilizers and pesticides, helping to reduce waste and costs. Without reliable GPS, farmers could struggle to accurately track their equipment and properly manage their fields.

  • The testing is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 2 and run from 11 PM to 5 AM local time.
  • Additional testing is planned for February 5-12, also from 11 PM to 5 AM.
  • On February 13-14, the testing will take place from 3 AM to 5 AM, then resume nightly from 11 PM to 5 AM from February 15-22.
  • The final round of testing is set for February 23-27 from 2:01 AM to 5 AM each day.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Case Hungate

A Central Texas farmer who relies on GPS technology for his precision agriculture operations.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely the better coverage you can get is the less product you're wasting. The better coverage you get is the less product you have to use. And in farming, it all comes down to the bottom dollar.”

— Case Hungate, Central Texas Farmer (kxxv.com)

What’s next

Fort Hood officials are working on a response to requests for comment, and the FAA warns that testing schedules could change with little to no notice, making it important for affected parties to stay updated on developments.

The takeaway

This GPS interference testing near Fort Hood highlights the critical role that precision agriculture technology plays for many farmers, and the potential for significant disruption to their operations if that technology is compromised. It underscores the need for clear communication and coordination between government agencies, the military, and the agricultural community to minimize the impact of such testing on essential farming activities.