WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agricultural technology is playing a growing role in how farmers and ranchers manage their operations.
Aerial drones have treated four times more acres since 2023, helping farmers reach fields that traditional equipment cannot, according to Farm Bureau’s Bernt Nelson.
“It’s to fill those gaps where that existing equipment or the current methods leave behind. Time is bushels, and when timing matters and the fields aren’t accessible, a drone can make the difference in getting in, getting the application done, and not getting it done. This leads to higher yields.”
Numbers from the Federal Aviation Administration show more than 11,000 agricultural spraying drones are registered in the United States.
Kansas State University specialist Jaymelynn Farney says virtual fencing has also taken off in recent years, with more companies giving ranchers more choices for their operations.
“Every one of these products that are out on the market offer a lot of really cool tools, and each one is different. Because no cattle operation in the United States is the same, and I say no two are even the same in most places, having that many companies with different features available provides a really good opportunity for you to meet what your operation’s objectives are.”
Farney encourages producers considering a virtual fencing system to do their homework and choose one that matches their operation.
