Drone Use on Farms “Taking Off”

The conversation around drones on U.S. farms is often about how they will continue to grow in popularity, even as the government tries to figure out how to manage the expansion.

Virginia Tech’s Kevin Cubbage said the reason it’s “taking off” is because of how versatile drones can be.

“We can use it to survey our operation, crop damage during a natural disaster, herd management.”

Plus you can check on silos or barns, status of crops, and now prices are dropping to where a basic drone can be set up for $600-700.

Cubbage said the uses for drones is also always expanding.

“If you can think about it or dream it, eventually it’s going to happen if it’s not already there.”

A recent Farm Journal poll shows that about one-third of farmers are using drones currently.