Drones In Agriculture: Increasing Farm and Ranch Efficiency

Published: 2019
By Tracy Mosley

MSU Park County Extension’s agriculture agent partnered with MSU Broadwater County Extension’s agent to host workshops in each county featuring the use of drones in agriculture, as a result of increased inquiries about the technology. While drones have been used commercially in agriculture since the 1980s, few producers have adopted the technology. Farm and ranch applications include mapping, monitoring, and surveying; spraying; irrigation management; and livestock monitoring. Thirty-seven individuals attended a five-hour workshop in Park County to showcase the uses of drones on cropland and rangeland. Presenters covered potential uses, types of drones and associated costs, licensing, and FAA regulations. They presented information on the versatile uses of drones and remote sensing in cropland, research, rangeland, and invasive species management. The programs also featured field demonstrations of drones including fixed wing, vertical take-off landing units, and a spray drone. After the workshop, over 86% of participants indicated they increased their knowledge about uses of drones on agriculture enterprises for cropland management, on rangeland for invasive species management, and for integrated pest management. Over 77% indicated they increased their knowledge about FAA regulations, licensing, and permitting, as well as about drone equipment and software options and associated costs. Four participants indicated intent to purchase a drone, to be used for crop inspection, livestock water inspection, weed management, checking fences, evaluating pasture grazing, and spotting trespassers. Nine participants expressed interest in learning more about UAVs and their utility on their farms or ranches for potential use in the future.