WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agricultural drone use is expanding rapidly, with treated acreage increasing more than fourfold between 2023 and 2025 as farmers and agribusinesses turn to the technology for time-sensitive field applications.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Bernt Nelson says the technology has moved from a niche tool to a mainstream management option, helping producers address challenges traditional ground equipment and aircraft cannot always overcome.
Drone Use Expands Across Global Agriculture
In his interview with RFD-TV, Nelson said that acreage treated by agricultural drones increased from 3.7 million acres in 2023 to more than 16.4 million acres in 2025
“Farmers don’t just adopt technology because it’s new or novel or seems like a good idea,” Nelson said. “They adopt this because it works.”
He said the rapid increase in treated acreage reflects the value farmers and agribusinesses are finding in drone applications.
Drones Fill Gaps in Traditional Spraying
Nelson said drones are not necessarily replacing traditional sprayers or agricultural aircraft. Instead, they provide another option when conventional equipment cannot easily access a field or complete an application at the right time.
Wet conditions can make ground applications difficult and may damage crops or fields. Aerial applications can also face scheduling challenges when pest and disease treatments need to happen within a narrow window.
“When that timing matters, and fields aren’t accessible, a drone can be the difference in getting it right,” Nelson said. “And that could lead to higher yields.”
He said drones give farmers additional flexibility when weather or field conditions limit other application methods.
U.S. Adoption Depends on the Value to Farmers
Nelson said comparisons between drone adoption in the United States and countries such as China should account for differences in crop production systems and the problems farmers are trying to solve.
Rather than focusing solely on which country uses the most drones, he said the important question is whether producers are using the technology where it makes sense for their operations.
“In the United States, they’re being used to fill those gaps that are left behind,” Nelson said. “They’re out there where other equipment can’t get to it. This is targeting jobs where they create the most value.”
New Opportunities for Rural Businesses
Beyond field applications, Nelson said agricultural drones are creating opportunities for new service businesses in rural communities.
Potential uses include custom application services, cover crop seeding, fertilizer spreading, field scouting, and monitoring cattle during calving and gathering seasons.
Nelson said those services can provide additional revenue opportunities for young farmers and ranchers entering agriculture.
“It’s an opportunity for a new stream of revenue coming in,” he said.
He added that diversifying income sources can be especially important during difficult economic years.
“That diverse revenue stream can also be the difference between making it and not in the tough years,” Nelson said.
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