The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is gaining ground, but with adoption comes a learning curve and mandated training and licensing.

Acceptance of drone and robotic technology in agriculture is increasing rapidly as consultants and producers discover more ways to use unmanned aerial vehicles to improve efficiency.

But adoption comes with a steep learning curve and essential training and licensing.

“We can do more than just spray with drones,” said Jeff Clack, Bestway Ag chief supervisor of operations, Crestview, Fla., during the 36th annual Texas Plant Protection Association Conference, held in early December in Bryan, Texas.

“We can do imagery with a multi-spectral drone that’s very affordable. Integrating a drone into the airspace puts a unique tool in our toolbox,” Clack said.

He said imagery data are calculated, mapped, and installed into spray drones to improve crop protection — from drilling seed through in-season applications.

He added that drones prove their worth when fields are muddy, and ground rigs cannot apply products in a timely manner.

“If a fungicide must be applied as soon as possible, and rain comes several days prior to spray time, it will be a while before you can get a ground rig in to take care of that field. Drones don’t have that problem,” Clack said.

Improved efficiency

He said rising costs of chemicals and sensitive environments where they are applied also give drones an edge. “With drones, we cut back on the water supply, enhancing the strength of the formula per mixed gallon. We typically only apply about two to three gallons per acre.”

He added that drone operators can input droplet size and spectrum into the drone before spraying to ensure that the application complies with the product label. “We can input these parameters into the drone when we get ready to spray. And that helps us adhere to the chemical label.

“Also, we now may operate legally more than one drone at a time that weighs over 55 pounds. They are compact and very maneuverable, an important consideration when operating in a confined environment. We can put these drones in a very small footprint where other fixed-wing assets and helicopters can’t operate.”

Night applications

A possible FAA exemption that would make a visual observer unnecessary means operators could spray at night, if all lighting criteria are met.

” That’s important because some areas are exceedingly windy most of the time until the sun goes down. After sunset, we can deploy the aircraft and apply products before the wind picks up the next morning. It makes for a long night, but applicators can spray on label, under 10 miles per hour for most chemistries.”

Essential training

About that learning curve. In the eyes of the FAA, operators must satisfy several requirements, Clack said.

“With drones over 55 pounds, which includes most of the application drones, operators have additional regulations because the level of lethality goes up exponentially. If the drone weighs 55 pounds or more, risks increase. So, a few extra rules keep the operator and the community safe.”

Requirements include a drone pilot license. The license requires operators to learn laws and some biology consistent with manned aircraft. It’s an intense process.”

A chemical applicator license, not the state license, is also required. “Anyone who is actively farming and using precision application, probably will have the state pesticide but not the aerial application license, which allows them to apply chemicals by air. It’s the same license required for crop dusters.”

Allow time

Clack said it takes time and planning to get the training and necessary licenses to use the heavy drones legally. “Anyone planning to spray next season with drones, now is the time to file for exemptions.”

He said a required FAA third-class medical certificate, administered by an aviation medical provider, also takes time.

“If there are issues to work out, I recommend getting that done first because everything revolves around that third-class medical certificate. So, if you get denied or a condition must be reevaluated, you should knock that out first because everything else happens after that.”

He said recent rulings exempt veterans with PTSD from the third-class medical certificate.

Plan to study

“The license is necessary,” Clack added, “and it requires some study. It’s a 60-question test requiring 70% to pass. Is it passable without studying? Not usually. So, you have to put a little study time in. Several online courses are available.”

License cost is $175. Cost for smaller drones, less than 55 pounds, can be registered online through FAA for $5. “The process can take as much as 90 days. “Registering drones over 55 pounds is a wet ink process and must be mailed in with a public notary endorsement. The process can take as much as 90 days. They will look at everything and get a tail number. The drone must be registered. As soon as your drone registration number comes back in a certificate, the aircraft is legal to fly.”

Drone operators also must be aware of off target trespass, Clack said. “They need to be cognizant of environmental concerns and ‘not kill some lady’s rose bushes.’ We must be good stewards.”

Consult with clients

Clack recommends early consultation with customers regarding the fields to be sprayed and what not to spray.

“Who has responsibility for acquiring the chemical? Is water available on the farm, or do we have to bring our own? Who will be responsible for storing the chemical and getting it to the trailer, applicator, or producer?”

He recommends a written contract. “Put everything on paper so there are no gray areas.”

Considerations should include customer expectations.

“Do they need multi-spectral mapping? Do they need the NDVI, or do we just need defined boundaries? Imaging is an added service.” Spelling expectations out early will prevent misunderstandings later, Clack said.

Prep to spray

Typical pre-application concerns might include:

Best routes to set up your spray controller.

Prescription spray needs. Do we have a prescription map to go with and the air density?

Airspace, is it class G? Are we in clean airspace? Where does my 44807 exemption say I can fly?

Wind direction

Temperature

Flight plan. Make sure notices to airmen (NOTAM’S) are filed Between 24 and 72 hours prior to the mission.

Pre-flight inspection, just like you would a regular aircraft.

Water pH

Check for Radio Frequency interference, including solar flares.

Brief crew members. Make sure every crew member has been trained properly and documented.

Clack said guidelines must ensure that everything is done legally and responsibly.

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Increase energy in feed for cold cows

Here are tips for protecting your cattle herd from harsh winter elements.

Cold temperatures, snow and ice can stress cattle, but focusing on animal health and nutrition can protect them against the harsh elements.

Winter arrived with a vengeance across much of the Midwest in January as temperatures dropped below zero. Extreme cold, ice and snow put Missouri cattle at risk, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension state beef cattle nutrition specialist.

“When the temperature is below the lower critical temperature, a cow in adequate body condition with a heavy winter coat will use energy to maintain body temperature,” he says. “When windchill dips below 19 degrees F, cattle need extra energy to keep warm. They will eat more and need higher-quality feed to compensate for the cold.”

Identifying cold stress in the herd is as simple as looking at a cow’s back. While cows grow a thick winter coat, MU Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins notes that a lack of snow on their backs is a clear indicator of cold stress.

She urges farmers, whether a pasture-based operation or beef producer running cow-calf pairs, to recognize the signs of cold stress and know how to mitigate it in the coming months. And it comes down to nutrition and basic animal husbandry.

Give cattle more energy

During extreme cold events, cattle tend to elevate their metabolic rate, which then increases their heat production, Collins explains. This process helps to raise the body temperature, but it also increases appetite and feed intake.

Bailey recommends cattle producers still grazing stockpiled tall fescue feed 0.5% of their body weight per day in supplement to provide extra energy during the extreme cold. “For a 1,200-pound beef cow,” he explains, “that’s 6 pounds of supplement each day.”

For those feeding hay, he suggests offering higher-quality hay during cold snaps, along with supplements.

Protection from the cold

Cattle are more susceptible to the cold than producers may sometimes see, so there is a need to offer extra animal protection during these times.

MU Extension livestock specialist Elizabeth Picking shares tips on preparing your herd:

Windbreaks. Minimize cold stress with windbreaks like lean-tos, barns, trees, stacked bales, hollows or brushy fencerows. Feeding in sheltered areas encourages cattle to gather there.

Cover. Wet cattle struggle to stay warm. Provide shelter — such as lean-tos, barns or trees — during rain, sleet or low temperatures.

Bedding. Use straw, hay, wood shavings, rubber mats or mulch to keep cattle warm, especially calves. Bedding prevents heat loss and reduces frostbite risk. Bailey adds that proper bedding in winter protects bull fertility. “Bulls can sustain long-term damage to fertility if forced to lie on frozen ground,” he says.

Water. Ensure cattle have access to unfrozen water. Mature beef cattle require up to 30 gallons of water per day. Heated or frost-free waterers are ideal. Electrolytes or salt mixes can boost water intake.

Bailey says these guidelines for nutrition and health can help keep cattle safe and ensure they continue producing high-quality beef.

Other signs of cold stress

Collins offers two other changes in cattle that producers should note in determining cold stress.

Behavior. When it is cold, cattle will start to form tight huddles and look generally uncomfortable. If you’re seeing this in your herd, it may be time to find a location with more shelter or wind blocks. The more time they spend huddled up, the less time they’re spending eating.

Breathing. These signs may not be as easy to observe from across the pasture. If you’re able to get close to your cattle, look at their breathing rates and see if they are shivering. Cattle that are cold will take deeper breaths and overall have decreased respiration. They will also shiver to generate more body heat.