By Andi Anderson
Drones have shifted from hobby tools to essential farm equipment within the past decade. Their rapid rise has changed how crops are grown, managed, and harvested around the world. A new study published in Science highlights how agricultural drones have expanded far more quickly than traditional farm technologies, spreading from Asia to Latin America, North America, and Europe in just a few years.
Earlier agricultural drones were small, costly, and difficult for farmers to use. Today, modern models can fly immediately after purchase and carry loads weighing up to 220 pounds. This improvement allows drones to act like flying tractors, performing tasks such as spraying pesticides, spreading fertilizers, sowing seeds, monitoring livestock, mapping fields, and checking crop health. Their versatility makes them useful on farms of all sizes.
Researchers note that drone adoption spread in an unusual pattern. Instead of moving from high-income to lower-income countries, drones grew first in East and Southeast Asia, then expanded to Latin America and North America. China leads the world in manufacturing and using agricultural drones, with more than 250,000 units in operation. Thailand also saw rapid growth, where drones treated nearly 30 percent of farmland by 2023.
In the U.S., agricultural drone registrations grew from about 1,000 in early 2024 to 5,500 by mid-2025. Many drones are used to spray crops like corn and soybeans, especially in fields that are hard to reach with tractors or airplanes.
Drones bring several benefits for farmers. They reduce toxic chemical exposure by replacing manual backpack sprayers and help distribute seeds and fertilizers more evenly. They also save time and reduce crop damage because they do not crush plants like large machines.
However, there are risks. If used improperly, drones may cause chemical drift to nearby farms, water sources, or people. They could also displace labourers who depend on manual spraying jobs, although drones at the same time create new skilled jobs for drone pilots.
Experts believe drones could support sustainable food production by increasing yields while reducing resource use. While early results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term impact on farming communities and the environment.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Michigan, Business