Drones in Agriculture: Increasing Farm and Ranch Efficiency

Published: 2019
By Allison Kosto

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, may seem like a new technology, but they have been used commercially since the 1980s. However, due to lower cost and more accessibility, their use in agriculture has become more prominent. Drones can be used for a variety of agricultural applications, including mapping, monitoring, and surveying; spraying; irrigation management; and livestock monitoring. Through a Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant, programs were offered in Broadwater and Park Counties to showcase potential uses of UAVs on crop and rangeland and how producers can utilize the technology. During the programs, presenters covered potential uses, types of UAVs and associated costs, licensing, and FAA regulations. They covered uses for UAVs and remote sensing in cropland, research, rangeland and invasive species management. The programs also featured demonstrations of drones including fixed wing, vertical take-off landing units and a spray drone. A total of 78 people participated in the programs in Park and Broadwater Counties. A survey was given to participants. On the survey, 98% of respondents strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that they were more aware or knowledgeable of uses of UAVs on agricultural enterprises for cropland, rangeland, and invasive species management. Over 91% of respondents were more knowledgeable about the uses of UAVs for integrated pest management. Additionally, 32 participants indicated potential behavior changes or actions following the program, including purchasing a drone, expanding uses of drones, and exploring opportunities.