E213: Ag Drones, From Interesting to Essential

The evolution of the drone has been a relatively quick one, and though this technology probably has a long way to go to reach its full potential, innovative growers are already putting these tools to work, especially using drone sprayers in tricky fields. To growers in unusual geographies in particular, drones, and the servicers and custom operators who supply them, are no longer an interesting novelty, they’re an essential part of yearly field work. Progressive Farmer Senior Editor Joel Reichenberger has been reporting on drones for years, and today he joins us on the podcast to dig into the expanding world of drone operation in agriculture that’s even compelling some operators to leave the farm behind in favor of custom work. Joel talks about the diversifying landscape of drone spraying, and how individual companies and major equipment companies and their dealers are thinking about and beginning to work in the space. We’ll dive deep on the question of whether to own or rent, the new opportunities that growers are discovering, and what barriers are emerging, from FAA flight regulations to high commodity prices. Plus we’ll dig into licensing questions, hear stories from the field, and get a preview about the popularity of ugly pumpkins.