The world’s largest agriculture drone can now hit U.S. fields

Agriculture drones are commonplace on a lot of U.S. farms today, but now, the world’s largest has been approved for use over U.S. fields.

The Pelican-2 aircraft was designed and built by Pyka, a robotics company.

It is the largest autonomous aircraft approved by the FAA for commercial use, and it has an 80-gallon payload, covering 222 acres per hour.

Pyka teamed up with several other ag companies to distribute the drone. Company leaders say deliveries are set to go out over the coming months.

Related Stories
University of Missouri researchers developed Field-Vision to process agricultural imagery faster.
The Drone Dock could make chemical preparation faster and easier for farmers.
USDA is increasing sterile fly capacity while the FDA authorizes a treatment for dogs.
The technology can keep equipment off crops while serving as a platform for new tools.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.
Weaker pork demand and rising feed costs could put more pressure on producer margins in 2027.
The proposal would require data centers and other large users to cover infrastructure costs tied to their projects.
Iowa processors are bringing in soybeans by rail as wet weather slows harvest.
U.S. agricultural exports to China have fallen sharply as producers wait for tariff relief.
South Dakota research found grazing can help cover crops generate positive returns sooner.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to lower diesel costs, including expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel as farmers face high harvest fuel prices.
Improved water levels are allowing more vessels and deeper loads through the Panama Canal.
Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million as demand for 2027 grain rail capacity increased.
Rising Treasury yields could keep farm borrowing costs elevated heading into 2027.
Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.
Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.