For most people, when they think of farming, the last thing that comes to mind is advanced technology like drones. However, the agricultural industry of today relies on precision farming practices to survive. One of the biggest boons for precision farming in the last decade has been the implementation of drone technology. Currently, the agricultural sector represents 80% of the commercial drone industry. Drones are being used to conduct countless precision farming practices. With thermal cameras and sensors, drones can monitor crops for water levels, health, and invasive pests. These same drones are proving vital for livestock herders in keeping track of large flocks over vast herds. The drones can observe animals for health and well-being. Some farmers are even using drones to herd animals.

Other drones are being used to survey land for crop placement or to provide security. But perhaps the most common way drones are being used in agriculture is through the application of chemicals. There is a wide range of heavy-lift drones that agriculturists use to apply fertilizers or pest management chemicals to their crops. The chemicals can be in either liquid or granular form. These drones can be used on nearly any type of crop, from low-lying herbs to stalks of corn, and even taller-growing trees. The important thing is that these drones are able to treat an area that would have previously taken hours in a matter of minutes.

Just before the New Year, North American agricultural drone contractor Agri Spray Drones entered a new partnership with EAVision that will provide farmers throughout the United States with the best in agricultural drone technology. Agri Spray Drones was founded by Taylor Moreland, who grew up on a dairy farm in Missouri. “We combine a deep knowledge of agriculture, a history of understanding farmers’ needs, and a realistic approach to drone technology,” Taylor says. The company does this by going beyond being a drone supplier. “We believe education is key to the adoption of drone technology in agriculture,” their website explains. “That’s why we don’t just sell drones; we ensure our customers know how to use them to their full potential. Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, we provide the knowledge and tools needed to maximize drone efficiency in the field.”

Through partnering with EAVision, Taylor is excited to bring his clients the best in drone capabilities. EAVision, based jointly out of China and Silicon Valley, CA, was founded in 2015 by a team of agricultural technology specialists. They develop drones to fit the custom needs of the diverse agricultural industry. This partnership will bring EAVision’s flagship drone, the J100, to rural American farmers.

The J100 is the only agricultural drone that incorporates LiDAR navigational technology. As explained by EAVision, the J100 drone can “identify obstacles as small as 1 centimeter in diameter. Accurately recognizing obstacles such as dead branches, utility poles, and power lines in the operation environment, providing all-around safety assurance.” They go on to say that the drone “autonomously plans safe flight routes and ensures smooth obstacle avoidance and terrain following at a speed of 10 meters per second in various complex and coupled terrains such as plains, water surfaces, and mountains. There is no need for manual terrain selection, making it efficient and worry-free.”

With such technology, Taylor is confident that farmers in rural America, the backbone of the nation’s agricultural industry, will have the technology needed to achieve ultimate precision farming. “The team at EAVision understands the unique needs of farmers, and they’ve built their drones with that perspective in mind,” Taylor said. “As a close partner in the U.S., we look forward to delivering the next generation of drone technology to American farmers and custom applicators.”

As agricultural technology continues to evolve, drones are becoming an indispensable tool in the quest for more efficient, sustainable, and precise farming practices. Through innovations like those offered by Agri Spray Drones and EAVision, farmers across the United States are gaining access to cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance productivity but also ensure the long-term health of crops, livestock, and the environment. With these advancements, the future of farming looks brighter, offering new opportunities for success in an increasingly complex industry.

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