As I walked around our show in Lincoln this past December, and then again at our show in Des Moines the end of January this year, I couldn’t help but notice all the innovation there is in agriculture. The one product that seems to be gaining the most traction in farming practices over the past few years is drones. It was very evident with the number of vendors at the show that were displaying their drones and all their capabilities that the small, unmanned aircraft are going to have a lasting impact on the agricultural industry and already have.
There are many uses for drones in agricultural production that allow farmers to save time and money. Here are some of the ways drones are being used in agriculture.
Livestock Management
Drones can be used to monitor the health and movement of livestock, which cuts down on the time that it takes to manually check on the livestock and it also provides real time data on the condition of the producer’s animals. This helps the producer be able to treat animals faster, possibly preventing disease outbreaks, saving livestock, which in turn saves them with their bottom line. Producers are also using drones to check fences, which saves them time versus manually checking and repairing fence.
Mapping and Surveying
Farmers are using drones to create detailed maps of fields which provide data such as soil composition, topography, and drainage patterns. The data created is key to the farmer making plans for planting and harvest.
Crop Monitoring and Management (Seeding and Spraying)
Drones are equipped with cameras, multi-spectral sensors, thermal imaging, and are used to pick up on early signs of nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, and crop diseases. Farmers can make real time decisions on how to deal with real time situations with their crops, which saves them money by using less pesticides and fertilizer. Some growers are using drones to seed their cover crops. This reduces the compaction in the field of having to seed with a tractor and seeder. The use of drones for spraying chemical and fertilizer is another way in which to reduce soil compaction and save on the amount of chemical/fertilizer being used.
If a farmer is looking into utilizing drones in their operation, they can either hire someone that has drones and is licensed to operate them and offers spraying, seeding, and crop management services, or they can buy the drone themselves and become licensed to operate. I will discuss each in detail and show resources to find out more information on both.
Now let’s discuss the types of drones and the cost.
Basic Drone Models
These drones would typically be used for the purpose of surveying and monitoring crops. They typically run from between $1,000 and $5,000. This drone would be used with smaller and medium sized operations.
Mid-Range Drone Models
These drones run between $5,000 to $15,000 and they have sensors on them that are used in pest detection, monitoring the health of the crops, mapping, etc.
High End Drone Models
These drones run between $15,000 to $50,000. These drones have more sophisticated technology than the mid-level drones, they will have longer flight times, be heavier duty, offer more payload capacity, more options and versatility for your operation than the first two.
There are other costs associated with buying a drone. You have software and data analysis tools to create maps, aerial imagery, and give recommendations. These programs might have a one-time fee, while others will have a yearly subscription to use. There is also regular yearly maintenance.
What Does It Take To Become A Licensed Drone Pilot?
These requirements can be found on the FAA website under the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107).
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass the aeronautical knowledge exam at an approved FAA knowledge testing center.
• If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate, you must have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and take a small UAS online training course provided by the FAA.
• You may also operate a drone if you are under the supervision of a person that holds a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
Step 1 – Create an FAA tracking number.
Step 2 – Find an approved FAA testing center and schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test.
Step 3 – Complete the necessary paperwork for an FAA Airman Certificate. There will be a TSA background check performed to get your certificate.
Step 4 – Register your drone with the FAA.
Once you have your remote pilot certificate, always keep it on you when flying your drone. Make sure that you have insurance and have the correct liability coverage for the work that you will be conducting with your drone. The time you can expect to wait until you get your license is around 90 plus days.
Here are a few more facts about operating your drone legally.
• If you are applying pesticides and you don’t already have it, make sure to get your applicator license in the state you are operating in.
• If you are operating a drone over 55lbs, you will need an FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
• If you plan on spraying at night, you will need a waiver if your drone is over 55 lbs.
In conclusion, the use of drones in agriculture has shown what a great tool they can be for an operator in being able to make real time decisions and implement a game plan to treat their crop and livestock conditions saving them valuable time and money helping their bottom line and keeping them in the business long term. As there are further advances in technology, the role of drones along with other autonomous machines will be implemented in agricultural practices around the globe.