In anticipation of the growing season, many agricultural producers are contemplating the use of drones for field spraying. The University of Missouri Extension has released a publication named “Economics of Drone Ownership for Agricultural Spray Applications,” offering cost-estimating tools to assist farmers and custom operators in assessing the viability of drone investment for spraying tasks.
According to Adauto Rocha, Jr., an assistant extension professor, these resources allow farmers to determine their spraying costs based on their unique situations. This empowers them to decide whether owning a drone or hiring out spray services is more financially beneficial.
The publication includes an in-depth examination of expenses tied to owning and operating drones, specifically focusing on the Agras T40 model. It assesses ownership and operational costs per acre, considering depreciation, interest, maintenance, labour, and battery expenses.
Findings from the study indicate that farmers spraying 1,000 acres a year will incur costs of approximately $12.27 per acre using drones. In contrast, custom hiring services typically charge around $16 per acre. This suggests that drone ownership is advantageous for farms managing at least 980 acres annually. Conversely, for custom operators managing 4,000 acres, costs drop to about $7.39 per acre.
Battery replacement is highlighted as a crucial cost component, with ownership costs like depreciation and interest also being significant contributors to the total per acre expense. Thus, the viability of drone ownership largely hinges on operational scale and acreage sprayed each year.
The study elucidates how drones can provide substantial savings for larger farming businesses while stressing the need for a thorough consideration of all related costs when embracing this technology. The publication was created through collaboration between MU Agricultural Business and Policy Extension and the MU Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm in Novelty.
As the growing season nears, the University of Missouri Extension has introduced a publication titled “Economics of Drone Ownership for Agricultural Spray Applications.” It provides cost-estimating tools for farmers contemplating drone investment. Findings suggest ownership becomes cost-effective for farms spraying at least 980 acres annually, while custom operators benefit from lower costs at larger scales. Key costs include depreciation, interest, and battery replacements.
The analysis conveys that adopting drone technology for agricultural spraying can yield considerable savings, particularly for large-scale operations. Farmers and custom operators are encouraged to factor in all costs—such as maintenance and depreciation—when evaluating the benefits of drone ownership versus contracting. This thoughtful approach ensures informed financial decisions that could significantly impact farming efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Original Source: muddyrivernews.com
