WC Mn/Dakotas | WCWis2 - 9/1/2020 16:22
Thinking really hard about buying a drone and I believe it would be a valuable tool. I have had coop agronomist/ seed guys fly my fields in the past and am really amazed at the different things you can see from the sky. I’m in western Wisconsin and our soil types are extremely variable with just about every soil type you can imagine in a 30 acre field.
I’m having a hard time pulling the trigger on one because I would like to do more than just take pictures and videos from above. Have any of you had any luck with using a drone for stand counts, health imagery or really anything else to help better produce corn, soybeans and alfalfa? Considering a Mavic 2 and am curious if there are any good options to add on to better manage fields? I’m really open to any suggestions on how to use a drone as more than a toy.
TIA
I think you answered your own question. Yes it’s a cool concept, but most wont make money from it. Yes a different perspective is great. If it inspires you to be a better manager even better. But then how do you manage better? You first need good software and learn how to use it. This is a full time job in itself, not to mention also gearing up and learning the flying system. Then as you learn this gis software, you will find there is already lidar available, satellite imagery appropriate for building good zones, fsa nail color imagery, etc. You don’t need to start with 5cm resolution to do good precision ag. Your not going to start with in season emergency applications. Those that do make money with drones don’t run a $1500 toy. It’s more like $50,000, 100k etc.
So what do you really want? To be a better farm manager or have an expensive cool hobby? |
How does your drone make you money?
