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UAV spraying technology has advanced rapidly in the past 5+ years and along with that the number of providers offering this service has grown exponentially. When considering UAV application in your fields, what should you know?
Does The Technology Work?
Yes, but it depends.
The relatively recent advancements on the technology side of UAV equipment have directly led to better ease of use, scalability, as well as overall capabilities of doing a quality job in your field. However, as with any piece of equipment what differentiates utilization of the technology depends heavily on having a properly licensed and trained operator and a well-calibrated machine. Some of the most common problems in this new and growing industry relate back to improper spray pattern width, non-calibrated spray equipment, improperly trained operators, and off label product applications.
Will a UAV Do a Better Job Than a Ground Machine or Airplane?
It depends.
The starting point are the basics mentioned above with a quality operator and properly calibrated UAV. After those important basics, the differences between ground, aerial, and UAV can depend on the variables of the field and what you are trying to spray.
When are these application options superior?
Ground applications: The main advantage ground machines have is that they can provide excellent coverage by running 15-25 GPA compared to aerial and UAV applications are 1-3 GPA. Ideal scenarios for achieving superior results with ground machines are relatively square fields with minimized turning so that crop damage can be minimized.
Aerial applications: Airplanes can do an excellent job on fields that have no obstructions near or around the field. Power lines, windmills, acerages, trees around or in fields will provide challenges for consistent quality. Aerial applications are also superior when soil conditions are not fit for ground machine, or the crop has lodging issues.
UAV applications: UAV applications are clearly the superior option in fields that have obstructions near or around the field or have people or livestock in close proximity. Similar to aerial, UAV applications are also a great choice when soil conditions are not fit for ground machine, or the crop has lodging issues.
What Does FCS Offer for Options?
FCS has a fleet of high clearance ground machines, in addition, we partner with R & M Spraying for aerial and UAV applications. R & M Spraying has been providing high quality aerial application services in the area since 1980 and after rigorous testing of the technology began offering UAV applications as an option in 2024. R & M has a long history of working with the complexities of navigating the standards and regulations involved with non-ground applications and has built a reputation of being committed to quality. They regularly calibrate machines and train people to maintain these standards. FCS also partners with R & M on bulk chemicals at their facilities and together we provide seamless billing through your FCS account.
FCS also offers simple 0% billing terms through January 15th, 2026 as well as a new Innovation Assurance crop warranty program through ground, aerial, UAV, or farmer applied options.