Over the last few years, the adoption of drones in the agriculture sector has seen significant growth as new technologies foster efficient farm management practices. From imaging surveillance to spraying technologies, drones can help farmers make informed decisions and work towards environmental goals.
On the imaging side, University of Illinois Extension educator Kevin Brooks says drones can help farmers gather data on weed pressure, plant population, plant stress, and more.
“You can see the color change between varieties and areas of the field that might be under some sort of stress or disease pressures. It was a little bit late to do anything with it, but a year ago, you could identify [sudden death syndrome] quickly, and before you could see it on the ground,” said Brooks. “That would allow for getting a more SDS-resistant variety. There’s just a lot you can tell early on, and it’s good to watch it throughout the growing season.”
Brooks says that using drones can help farmers establish a road map throughout the growing season and know exactly what is going on with their crops instead of waiting for yield monitors to show a problem.
Farmers are also able to take advantage of drones by using sprayer technology. Tyler Miller with Agras Tech says with this type of technology, farmers can work closer to the crops during the growing season.
“The way these drones work, they are very efficient. You’re much closer to the canopy of the crops versus the airplane. You do not have to gain altitude towards the end of the field when you turn around,” explained Miller. “Essentially, these drones will cover more of the field and at a closer distance to the top of the canopy.”
Drone technology also opens the door for producers with precision technology and minimal chemical drift to allow for increased coverage and fewer chemicals.
Listen to the full interview with Kevin Brooks here.
Listen to the full interview with Tyler Miller here.
