From the rolling fields of Salisbury, Missouri, to the rolling hills of the UK, drones are rapidly becoming an essential tool in the agricultural toolkit. Farmers are increasingly utilising these unmanned aerial vehicles to boost efficiency, cut costs and improve their operations.
One such farmer, Jeremiah Gebhardt, has been using drones for the past few years to spray his corn, soybean and wheat fields. The significant upfront investment prompted careful consideration. "I realised that by applying our own aerial fungicide, not only could we save money but also offer services to other farmers in the area, making the investment worthwhile," explained Gebhardt.
The growing adoption of drones by UK farmers is mirrored in a recent Iowa State University survey. 21% of respondents reported using drones, while 32% indicated plans to incorporate them in the future.
Doug Houser, a digital agriculture extension specialist at Iowa State University, attributes this trend to farmers' keenness on adopting technologies that demonstrably benefit their businesses. "Every conference, every meeting I attend, I encounter farmers eager to learn about the latest advancements and explore how they can leverage new technologies to their advantage," said Houser.
The benefits of drones in agriculture are numerous. Houser highlights their ability to enhance precision when applying chemicals, minimizing wastage and saving money. Drones can also access fields during challenging conditions that would be inaccessible to conventional sprayers. "If we experience a downpour, I can still get out there and spray my crops with a drone, whereas with a ground sprayer, it's simply not possible," explained Houser.
Additionally, drones provide a safety advantage by reducing exposure to chemical sprays for farmers. Kevin Knorr, CEO of Volitant Drone Technology Solutions in Dunbar, Nebraska, notes that conventional ground sprayer operators are directly exposed to the spray while driving through treated areas. "They drive right through the sprayed zone, increasing the risk of exposure," said Knorr. "While cabin filters and other protective measures exist, can we truly guarantee complete operator safety?"
While drones offer undeniable advantages, limitations remain. Short battery life and restrictions on the types of chemicals permitted for aerial application pose challenges. Despite these limitations, drones are proving particularly valuable for livestock producers, according to Shawn "B.W." Barstow, a drone flight instructor at Utah State University. "The excitement for us is when we conduct workshops and farmers realise the versatility," explained Barstow. "They ask, 'Can I really check my livestock watering points when there's two feet of snow on the ground, fly my drone over, check the water, and fly back without getting wet?' And the answer is 'yes.'"
The burgeoning demand for agricultural drones has fueled the growth of companies like Agri Spray Drones in Boonville, Missouri. Established in 2019, the company specialises in building and selling drones, primarily for agricultural applications. Jordan Sayre, a key account manager, attributes their rapid expansion to the growing demand. "When I joined in 2022 as the fifth employee, we've since grown to a team of 25, and our facilities have expanded from 6,000 to 30,000 square feet," said Sayre.
To ensure safe and legal operation of drones, farmer training is crucial. Agri Spray conducts monthly flight training sessions at their headquarters, providing participants with resources for diagnosing repairs, enhancing flying skills, and mastering flight path mapping.
Jeremiah Gebhardt underscores the importance of training when he reflects on his early drone purchases from Agri Spray. "You need to be able to troubleshoot and repair the drones in the field when something goes wrong. And like any piece of machinery, it's crucial to understand how it works," he said.
Volitant Drone Technology Solutions, based in Nebraska, provides drone sales, spraying services, and training. Knorr, the CEO, emphasises their commitment to assisting farmers in integrating drones into their operations. "We work hand-in-hand with farmers to demonstrate the practical applications of drones on their farms," explained Knorr. Regarding sales, Knorr observes seasonal variations in demand. "We experience a surge during fungicide season, followed by a slight dip after the season ends. However, demand picks up again when it comes to spreading cover crops and autumn pasture spraying," he said.
As drones continue to evolve and become more accessible, their role in shaping the future of UK agriculture is undeniable. By embracing this innovative technology, farmers are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a changing landscape, while enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
