This episode featured as part of the Agritech segment in partnership with Sensehub by MSD.

Agricultural drone use is climbing fast, and farmers can operate the machines themselves, says Ferntech agricultural drone lead Travis Watkins.

“It’s not there to replace anything,” he says.

“It’s just another tool for the toolbox.”

He says beyond spraying, drones now spread granular fertiliser, muster livestock, map paddocks and check water troughs.

The drones fly pre-planned missions rather than being flown by hand.

“I use the term ‘babysitting’.”

Ferntech will host demo days at Tui Ridge Park, Rotorua, on 12 August and Living Springs, Christchurch, on 26 August.

This episode featured as part of the Agritech segment in partnership with Sensehub by MSD. To learn more, visit www.sensehub.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.