Everett Griner talks about drones and crop dusting working together in today’s Agri View.
From: Buzz Feed News
The Future Of Farming: U.S. Approves Drones For Crop Dusting
The approval marks the first time an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying a payload has been given the OK to commercially fly in the U.S.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke
BuzzFeed News Reporter
A large drone capable of carrying tanks of fertilizers and pesticides for farming was given approval Friday by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Yamaha RMAX is the first drone weighing more than 55 pounds to be approved in the U.S., according to Bloomberg. Smaller drones had previously been approved by the FAA to take photos for farmers.
The drones are capable of spraying crops with more precision than a traditional tractor, which reduces costs, and potential pesticide exposure to workers who might have otherwise sprayed the crops.
The RMAX unmanned helicopter weighs about 141 pounds empty and can carry a load of fertilizers and pesticides that weigh up to 61 pounds, according the FAA’s waiver.
The drones are capable of spraying crops with more precision than a traditional tractor, which reduces costs, and potential pesticide exposure to workers who might have otherwise sprayed the crops.
The unmanned vehicles are also capable of accessing areas that are usually hard to reach, though it must stay at least 500 feet away from bystanders.
Remote-Controlled Helicopter Being Used in Napa Vineyard
In this video a remote-controlled helicopter is being field-tested by UC Davis agricultural engineers at a Napa Valley vineyard. The motorcycle-sized helicopter, which is commercially manufactured and extensively used over Japan’s rice fields, is being studied for potential agricultural uses in the United States.
In Japan, the RMAX and its predecessor have been used on rice farms for over 20 years and are currently responsible for spraying 40% of fields, Gizmag reported.
The RMAX also gained approval in Australia from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and is flown in South Korea by farmers, according to Ars Technica.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have tested the RMAX on Napa vineyards, especially in areas with terrain usually unsuitable for crop-dusting.
“A vehicle like this gives you a way to get in and get out and get that treatment done,” said Ken Giles, a professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of California, Davis, according to the Associated Press.
From: The Duke Joseph Agency
The below video from The Duke Joseph Agency, the Yamaha RMAX USA team demonstrated the capabilities of the aerial spray helicopter to a group of 15 of Washington State’s largest tree fruit producers.