6 reasons why spray drones have a big future in small plot broadacre farming

By now you may have noticed spray drones are becoming much more popular in Australia. So who’s buying them? For large broadacre plots, spray drones won’t cover as much ground per day as ground based sprayers.

SP sprayer                            600-800 ha/day

Smaller boom sprayer            200-230 ha/day

T50 or T40                                      100-130 ha/day

Existing spray systems for large operations are a big capital investment and unless operating a precision agricultural enterprise, the yield loss created by ground based sprayers trampling crops is not high enough to advocate switching to a spray drone, for larger plots. For crop spraying (as opposed to weed spraying), spray drones such as the DJI Agras T50 and T40 have therefore seen a faster up take for smaller sized broadacre plots (e.g. 25ha or 50ha) for the following reasons:

1. Owners of smaller sized plots are less likely to own an SP sprayer / ground based sprayer or manned aircraft as they just wouldn’t see a good enough ROI / utilization of the asset.

2. Manned aircraft pilots (as spray contractors) charge more per ha for small plot owners (e.g. $25/ha instead of $15) and are known to de-prioritise them (or even refuse the work) especially in high demand times

3. Availability: just having a spray drone onsite means you can knock off some spraying at will, anytime (day or night). No waiting for people to turn up, for the weather or waiting for the ground to be prepared. Just get it out and start spraying -particularly useful when its time sensitive (e.g. an 8 day spraying window after irrigating cotton).

4. For ground based sprayers the land preparation time, and machine prep time relative to spraying time is much higher (e.g. preparing rotor bucks, syphons, checking for holes, rocks, checking nozzles, inspecting the machine,  etc)

5. Maintenance cost due to wear and tear is also much higher with ground base sprayers because they impact against the ground as they roll.Also ground driven spray rigs have a lot of moving parts (stering, suspension, engine) and therefore lots of water parts and lubrication points. 6.For some plantations, cotton for example, the last 3-4 sprays (of 7 sprays per season) must be via plane or helicopter (when the cotton canopy has joined up between rows). It can make sense to purchase a spray drone rather than pay an aerial contractor.

A T50 or T40 may be considerable for larger properties

If the property has a relatively high ratio of difficult terrain (steep and or rough ground: holes, rocks).

If you are growing crops that respond particularly well to the strong droplet penetration and circulation effect created by the drone. You can therefore reduce the water rate. Fertilizer has gone up 2* and chem 3* in cost in the last 18 months.

To have a T50 or T40 simply as a backup , especially for when crops are advanced (e.g. Spring time , fungicide sprays) or when its very wet and the ground machines can’t get across the ground.

One of the main barriers to drones in Australian ag is the fact that it is new technology. The average farmer is over 50 and are often doing the same thing they have been doing for a long time.  As drones become more common and growers see that they are an effective tool they will inevitably become more accepted. It will take a different way of thinking for example, it may be advantageous for growers to invest in spray drones and use a contract ground rig. As opposed to the traditional arrangement where growers own ground rigs and use contract manned aircraft for in crop sprays.This type of system would allow growers to get onto fields no matter what the conditions(wet, when contractors are in high demand, in-crop spraying for pests etc) and use ground rigs when they are cheaper and easy to find contractors.  

About us: Drones For Hire (DFH) is an Ag-specific DJI dealer meaning our capability is uniquely focussed around spray drones and mapping drones. We have representatives in most states who own and use this equipment themselves and are highly competent in drone spraying and mapping operations. Amongst our team we have farmers, contractors and drone experts that can assist in operations and in utilizing drones in different agriculture systems.  DFH also maintains an extensive parts supply in NSW, ready for express shipping when customers need to get flying again fast. We started in 2013 and have grown to become Australia's largest drone site, supplying $M of hardware sales each year and attracting more than 40,000 drone job requests. 

Feel free to ask us about your property’s suitability for a spray drone via phone or email 1300 029 829 or [email protected]

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, readers should consult with qualified experts or local authorities before making decisions related to agricultural drone use, regulations, or investments.

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