Drone technology has had a significant impact on the agriculture business, with this high-tech equipment allowing farmers to become more efficient in areas such as planting, crop monitoring, and crop spraying. There are many benefits to using drones within the farming industry, however, it is important to consider what you need to get started. VICTORY UAV Pilot Training Canada are Transport Canada Certified, with expert staff on hand to train and advise you. To fly a drone legally within Canada it is important to hold a drone licence, and we can help with this.

How Can Drones Be Used in Agriculture?

With the correct Transport Canada Certification, drones used in agriculture can aid farm & crop management, allowing you to easily observe and measure crop and livestock data, making modern farming more efficient. Drones in recent years have become more affordable and are a great investment for modern farmers. They can be equipped with different technologies based on individual farming needs such as infrared cameras, propulsion systems, and data processing software.

Agricultural drones can be used in many different ways including:

Soil and Field Analysis

Drones can be used at various points of a crop cycle to measure the quality of the soil by obtaining 3D maps of them. This helps farms identify any dead zones or areas with poor soil quality and will allow them to utilize water resources and nutrient management.

Seed Planting

One use of drones that is relatively new is seed planting, with manufacturers experimenting with technology that can shoot seedpods into the soil. This technology minimizes the amount of strenuous planting on the ground which can cost a lot and take some time. Dropping anything from a drone requires specialized government approval in the form of a Specialized Flight Operating Certificate.

Crop Spraying and Spot Spraying

In order to maintain high yields, drone technology can help spray crops – this is a much more cost-effective way to fertilize them and is safer as it reduces human contact with the fertilizer. Drones can be programmed to follow set routes or can be handled manually. In order to do this, however, you will need to look into drone licenses and drone exams to be able to fly a drone legally in Canada.

Crop Mapping and Surveying

In addition to spraying crops, drones can also map and survey your crops and land to help gain a large-scale view of the land in order to try and identify any potential issues. Drones with NIR sensors can give insights into plant health based on light absorption.

Irrigation Monitoring and Management

Irrigation can be a huge task with systems spanning miles. Drones with thermal cameras can spot issues with irrigation and help identify which way to plant crops to help avoid water pooling.

Real-Time Livestock Monitoring

Thermal imaging cameras installed on some drones can allow a farmer to keep track of their livestock over a large area. Thermal imaging can also help identify potential predators, protecting your livestock further.

How To Become An Agriculture Drone Pilot – Obtaining a Drone License

With so many advantages of using drones in the agriculture sector, it is easy to see why many farms are wanting to utilize drone technology. While this is a relatively new idea, over the next few years drone technology will become more common.

In order to become an agricultural drone pilot, it is important to work towards your drone license as this is required by law. VICTORY UAV Pilot Training are a drone pilot training company in Canada. Every member of staff has the Transport Canada Certification meaning that they are accredited experts who can train you in basic or advanced drone skills in order to obtain your license.

Drone Exams

In order to work in the agricultural sector, you will need to handle drones with precision and have an understanding of expert technology, advanced training also includes a drone exam which will help you gain these relevant skills.

If you have any questions about using drones in the agricultural field, or on how to work towards your drone exam, then please do not hesitate to contact VICTORY UAV Pilot Training Canada – we can’t wait to start working with you.