Ag spraying drones treated 10 million acres across the country in 2024.
ELGIN, Minn. — Drones are a relatively new technology, but now they’re taking over an even newer space – farms.
Ag spraying drones can be pricey, but if used correctly, proponents say they can spray crop protection products with such high precision, they can enhance safety and efficiency.
Joe Encinias married a fourth-generation farmer who owns 4,300 acres just outside of Rochester, Minn., in Elgin.
At first, the self-proclaimed “tinkerer” didn’t even know what a combine was – but now is helping transform the industry with drones.
“That was the main reason we got into the drone application was because of timing,” said Encinias. “We can spray where we want, when we want.
The drones are some of the only ones manufactured in the United States. It runs solely on battery, can carry up to 230 pounds and travel 30 miles per hour.
“Every time we do a demonstration, it’s always a wow factor,” said Encinias.
He says it also saves time, money and the environment, while increasing their crop yield.
“If it’s only in a certain section or top of the hill or maybe just in the valley, the drone can just spray that section and we don’t have to call somebody, we can say, load up the drones, let’s go,” said Encinias.
Last year, the American Spray Drone Coalition said drones treated 10 million acres across the country
But still, there are limitations – from a $100,000 price tag to regulatory hurdles, as well as extensive training and spray drift concerns.
“Here, you can control that, you can test it yourself and know you’re getting a quality application,” said Encinias, who also started his own drone company and works for a crop protection company based in Clear Lake, Iowa.
“I kind of fill in that gap between manufacturer, and grower and user and where can they get that support,” said Encinias.
Farmers say there’s about a six-week window to spray their crops, starting in June.
Encinias also says it takes about six months to study and train to become licensed and certified to fly a drone. The test is considered difficult and there are other state and federal hurdles that, if someone starts now, would take them right up to next year’s planting season.
