Drones and Agriculture: How Drones Can Help With Farming
With drone technology spreading fast across Australian farms, it can be hard to tell who’s offering real agricultural value and who’s just flying for show.
The truth is, drones have moved well beyond hobby use. They’re now essential tools for farmers who want to work their land with more precision and agility.
But how can drones help with agriculture in practice? And how well would they fit your operations?
In this article, we will explain how drones and agriculture connect, how this saves time and resources, as well as what to look for when choosing a provider.
What Drones Actually Do
Drones have become as useful as any tractor or sprayer in certain situations. But what do they actually do?
At Field Master Systems, we use drone technology for:
Aerial Mapping: We use LiDAR, multispectral, and visual sensors to capture precise elevation, soil, and vegetation data, then turn that into actionable insights on crop health, vegetation stress, and land use.
- Targeted spraying and seeding: Our drones can also handle all aspects of weed management, fertiliser distribution, seeding, and pest control with high accuracy and efficiency.
Our drones operate where ground rigs can’t, covering steep or uneven terrain with precision. That accuracy means fewer chemicals used, less spray drift, and more fine control of spray parameters, leading to stronger yields across crops and pasture.
Time Saving Precision
The real advantage of mixing drones and farming is in the hours you don’t have to spend on foot. A crop inspection that once took days can now be completed in a single afternoon, with results you can act on immediately.
That time-saving alone reduces labour costs, but the value goes further.
Our drone mapping delivers unmatched precision. With RTK satellite base stations, our photogrammetry missions achieve horizontal accuracy down to 1cm.
That level of detail helps you map crop boundaries, erosion areas, and problem zones with total confidence, so every decision is based on solid, spatially accurate data.
Regulations and Safety
Every safe operation starts with knowing the limits. In Australia, aerial spraying requires CASA-certified pilots and aircraft, with specific rules for large-scale operations under BVLOS or EVLOS conditions.
Our team at Field Master Systems holds both.
And then there's the physical limits. Spray missions are safest and most effective in wind conditions of up to 13km/hr.
That's why for most producers, the easiest path to combine drones and agriculture is partnering with certified providers, or investing in proper pilot training before bringing operations in-house.
Built for Every Landscape
Our drone services operate beyond the open fields. We support broad‑acre cropping, forestry applications, and government‑run weed‑control projects, demonstrating capability across diverse terrains and environments.
Either way, what matters most is getting precision where it counts, whether the terrain is simple or complex.
Check out some of the work we’ve done here. These real-world projects show how we apply drone solutions to local needs, with results that speak for themselves.
When to Hire, When to Own
Not every farm needs to own a drone. If you’ll only use it occasionally or don’t have the licensing or time to manage it safely, you’re better off bringing in a certified provider that can set things up for you. However if looking for your own drone going with a trusted provider like Rural Automation is necessary.
Now, if drones are becoming part of your weekly routine, it’s worth considering your own setup. Having the gear and training on hand means less waiting, more flexibility, and better value over time
At Field Master Systems, we work with clients on both paths.
Some hire our custom solutions, others consult with us and take the controls themselves. Either way, you will be working with aviation pros, dedicated to using their experience and passion to ensure your mission's success.
Get the Right Start
The impact of mixing drones and agriculture is undeniable. But the easiest path to understanding just how valuable this partnership can be is to see it in action.
Start with a small, quick task, like a focused spray application or a detailed field map. The results will show right away.
And if you need guidance on evaluating services or choosing equipment, call us. We'll cut through the sales talk and tell you the essential steps to a successful implementation.
