Drones expedite field surveying and spraying

New technology tools are eyed as farm efficiency helpers.

That’s exactly what draws farmers to drones (also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles). The greater speed at which drones can survey or spray agricultural fields continues to advance.

“It’s amazing how fast surveying or spraying gets done,” said Matt Herman, who along with his wife, Julie, owns Herman Ag Services in southeastern Illinois.

Services offered include custom drone application, plant nutrition and agronomic consulting.

Another advantage to agriculture drone use: It’s much less expensive compared to hiring crop-duster planes, said Herman, who also operates a diversified 500-acre farm with corn, soybeans and wheat.

A new University of Missouri Extension publication, “Economics of Drone Ownership for Agricultural Spray Applications,” introduces cost-estimating tools for farmers and custom operators curious about investing in drones.

“These tools enable producers to calculate their own drone application costs based on their specific circumstances, helping them make informed decisions about whether drone ownership or contracting out spray services is more cost-effective,” Adauto Rocha Jr., assistant Extension professor in MU’s Division of Applied Social Sciences, said in a news release.