By: Mary MacArthur

They may seem like a toy, but drones may be the answer to keeping young people on the farm, said a university drone researcher during the Canadian Agricultural Drone Association conference.

“The drones, especially these agriculture drones, provide a very rare opportunity for young folks,” said Steve Li, a professor and drone researcher with Auburn University in Alabama.

He said embracing agricultural technology, including drones, is a way young people can stay connected to the farm.

“I see that happening all over the place. It gives young folks a chance to be entrepreneurial and fight back against this social trend of leaving the farm. This is something that is very rare and valuable,” said Li at the conference, where most of the 190 registrants were young.

While the rules around spraying chemicals from drones in Canada are different than in the United States, Li said that when the Canadian rules change to allow drone herbicide spraying, it will be a way young people can start their own agricultural business without a large cash outlay.

“Some kids even finishing high school can start their own business with less than $150,000, be legal and have a quick ROI. Most young operators I know were able to pay off the debt and the equipment and start to make money after one season.”

Brothers Todd, 22, and Brayden, 26, Fraser of Churchbridge, Sask., came to the first annual drone conference to gain a better understanding of the quickly changing drone technology and how they can use it on their farm and for a business venture.

“They are a much more approachable price point versus million dollar planes,” said Brayden.

“If you can do it yourself, you can save money,” added Todd, who believes more pre-set applications and settings will make spray drones easy to use.

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