Technology on the farm: drones
Did you know?
Some Ontario grain farmers use flying robots — called drones — to check on their grain crops from high above the field!
What are drones?
Drones are remote-controlled or autonomous flying machines equipped with cameras and sensors! Agricultural drones are different sizes depending on the jobs they do, and can weigh more than 150 kg! Drones transmit data wirelessly, much like a cell phone. Farmers use them to gather important information about their fields.
Why are they useful?
- Bird’s-eye view – grain farmers can see the entire field in minutes. Grain fields are measured in acres and one acre is about the same size as 2.5 hockey rinks. Fields can be up to 200 acres in size!
- Spot problems early – drones can detect areas where the grain plants are stressed or not growing well.
- Map the land – using GPS, drones create detailed maps that help farmers plan their management of the grain fields including planting plans, and fertilizer plans.
Do they replace farmers?
No. Farmers are still the decision-makers. Instead of walking across huge fields, farmers:
- Program and guide the drone’s flight.
- Analyze the images and data it collects.
- Decide how to care for the grains based on the results.
Fun facts for students
- Some drones can fly on their own, following pre-set routes!
- Drones can take thousands of pictures and hours of video in just one flight.
- Farmers need a drone pilot licence to operate a drone and can use a tablet or smartphone to control them.
- Agricultural drones are often waterproof, so they can fly even after it rains.
- Farmers, researchers and other experts at the Living Lab—Ontario are working on drones that can seed fields.
Big picture
Drones give farmers “superpowers” to see more, save time, and make smart choices about caring for crops. This technology helps them protect the environment, grow food more efficiently, and prepare for the future of farming.
Check out this video!
Minds-on question options
- Innovation & Technology: How are drones on farms similar to or different from drones used for delivery, filming, or fun?
- Problem-Solving: Grain farmers need to watch over very large fields. How do drones make this easier?
- Student Connection: If you had a drone to help with school or home, what job would you give it?
- Future Thinking: As drones get smarter, what new tasks could they take on for farmers?
Connections:
Tech toolbox for sustainable farming – Good in Every Grain
Coding: addressing real-world problems for farmers (lesson plan) – Good in Every Grain
