Drones Offer Farmers New Way to Check Crops

The Dakota Rice Corn and Soybean Growers hosted their annual plot tour Tuesday morning at the Brian and Gail Bauer farm by Nerstrand. Many seed company representatives were there to discuss their corn hybrids and soybean varieties that were in the plots. In addition, agronomists Van Larson and Rich Armstrong were there to discuss the growing season, crop progress along with insect and disease issues. After the program, board members of the corn and soybean growers grilled pork burgers for lunch.

Something that was new at the plot tour this year was a drone. In the past year or so, some farmers and many agronomists have purchased drones. Lauren Schrader with Innovative Ag Products demonstrated a drone. Schrader set her drone on the ground and went to the control box. It had  what looked like two little joy sticks. The drone took off and flew over the corn field. The camera had a wireless connection to a big monitor and we could see the corn field in real time. It is amazing the detail you can see from a couple hundred feet above the field. What a way to scout your fields! No more walking through tangled beans or corn leaves rubbing your face!