Drones are changing the game in agriculture. From soil scanning to crop spraying, these flying tools are helping farmers save time, cut costs and grow better crops. But with so many types of agricultural drones out there, how do you know which one is right for your farm?
That’s what this guide is all about. Whether you run a small farm or manage thousands of hectares, picking the right drone means asking the right questions and knowing what to look for.
1. Understand What You Need the Drone to Do
Let’s start with purpose. Not every drone is made the same. Some are built for simple aerial mapping. Others are heavy-duty machines for aerial spraying. The first step is figuring out what job your drone will do.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common farm uses:
- Crop monitoring: Great for spotting weeds, pests or disease before they spread
- Plant health checks: Using multispectral sensors to read plant stress levels
- Aerial spraying: For spreading fertilisers or spraying pesticides
- Soil analysis: Helping with planting patterns and irrigation plans
- Mapping: For land boundaries, field planning and harvest tracking
You don’t need a drone that does everything. You need one that does your thing well. Farmers using drones for regular crop checks don’t need the same specs as those using them for chemical spraying. If you’re unsure where to begin, you can explore the top 5 agricultural drones to see how different models serve different needs.
2. Choose Between Fixed-Wing and Multi-Rotor Drones
There are two main drone types you’ll come across: fixed-wing and multi-rotor. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and your choice depends on what fits your farm work best.
Fixed-Wing Drones
- Look and fly like small planes
- Can cover large areas fast
- Fly longer with a single charge
- Not good at hovering or tight turns
These are perfect for big properties that need regular mapping or crop scanning. Their speed and long battery life make them efficient for long flights.
Multi-Rotor Drones
- Have four or more rotors (like quadcopters)
- Hover in place and move easily
- Ideal for smaller, detailed jobs
- Shorter flight times
These work best when you need to zoom in on a problem spot or do low-altitude tasks like spraying or counting plants. To dig deeper into which type matches your farming goals, check out the ultimate guide to agricultural drones for detailed comparisons.
3. Battery Life and Flight Time Matter
Drone flight time isn’t just about how long it stays in the air—it’s about how much work you can get done in one go. Most farm drones fly for 20 to 40 minutes per battery. High-end fixed-wing drones can go longer.
Here’s what to consider:
- Size of your land: Bigger land needs longer flight time or extra batteries
- Job type: Aerial spraying uses more power than mapping
- Charging setup: Can you recharge in the field? Do you need solar power or vehicle inverters?
If you’re running a full day’s work, you’ll likely need multiple batteries or quick chargers. Planning ahead here saves heaps of downtime and stress. Smart farmers know that comparing drone features to boost farm productivity isn’t just about the drone—it’s also about what supports it on the ground.
4. Sensor Quality and Camera Type
The camera and sensors are the brains of the drone. They capture what you can’t see with your own eyes. Some cameras pick up light you can’t see—like infrared or multispectral bands.
Here’s what makes a difference:
- RGB cameras: Basic cameras for visual maps and images
- Multispectral sensors: For plant health, moisture and chlorophyll levels
- Thermal cameras: Spot irrigation issues or livestock heat signs
If your goal is early disease detection or soil moisture planning, go for a drone with high-end sensors. But if you just want clear photos or videos for field planning, a good RGB camera will do.
For example, a vineyard in Mildura used a drone with multispectral imaging to track vine health. They caught a fungal problem early and saved 30% of the crop. That’s real value.
5. Payload Capacity and Spraying Ability
If you plan to spray fertilisers or pesticides, the drone’s payload is key. Payload is the total weight the drone can carry, including liquid tanks and sprayers.
Here’s what to think about:
- How much liquid per flight: Some drones carry 10L, others up to 40L
- Spray width and pressure: Wider spray saves time, higher pressure covers better
- Nozzle control: Smart nozzles adjust flow for wind or crop type
Spraying drones are a big investment. But they save labour, water and reduce over-spraying. One Queensland farm switched to drone spraying for their sorghum crop. They saved thousands by spraying only the infected zones instead of the whole field.
6. GPS and Mapping Precision
Today’s drones use GPS, RTK and GNSS for pinpoint accuracy. These help you map your farm down to the centimetre. That’s useful when you need consistency—like planting in rows or spraying narrow crop zones.
Look for:
- RTK (Real-Time Kinematic): Gives up to 2cm accuracy
- Waypoint planning: Let the drone fly a set path automatically
- Geo-fencing: Stops the drone flying into no-go zones
Good mapping means better decisions. You can plan where to plant, where to irrigate, and where to treat pests. Over time, these maps become your farm’s digital memory.
7. Ease of Use and Automation
Not everyone’s a tech wizard. Thankfully, modern drones are getting easier to fly. Look for drones with smart flight modes, easy app controls and clear instructions.
Here’s what makes flying simple:
- One-touch take-off/landing
- Auto-return when low on battery
- Obstacle avoidance
- Pre-set flight plans
Many drones now come with software that auto-generates maps or spraying routes. That means less trial and error. If you can use a smartphone, you can fly a modern drone. Plus, updates keep coming, which means your drone gets smarter over time.
8. Budget, Repairs and Ongoing Costs
Cost matters. But don’t just think about the upfront price. Think about total value—what the drone helps you do better or faster.
Ask these questions:
- What’s included? (Batteries, charger, case, software)
- How easy is it to repair? (Are parts local? Are repairs quick?)
- What’s the warranty? (1 year? Extended cover?)
- Any software subscriptions? (Mapping or data tools)
Cheaper drones often have fewer sensors, short battery life or poor support. You might end up paying more over time. Higher-end drones have stronger builds, better features and support that saves you time when things go wrong.
FAQs
1) What’s the best drone for small farms?
If you’ve got under 100 hectares, a multi-rotor drone like a DJI Agras T10 or Phantom 4 Multispectral will do the trick. They’re small, easy to fly and great for regular scouting or targeted spraying. For spraying, the T10 carries about 8 litres, which is plenty for small paddocks. Choose one with a good camera or sensor depending on what you want to monitor.
2) Do I need a licence to fly a drone on my farm in Australia?
Yes, but it depends on the drone’s size and use. If your drone weighs under 2kg and you only fly over your own land, you don’t need a licence—but you must still register the drone and follow CASA’s standard operating rules. For bigger drones or commercial spraying, you’ll need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and an operator certificate (ReOC). It’s worth checking with CASA or speaking with local providers who offer training.
3) Can a drone replace ground inspections?
Drones won’t replace boots on the ground—but they cut down how often you need to walk the whole paddock. Use them to spot-check problem areas, map your field, or scan for disease from above. Then you can focus your ground time where it matters most. Think of it as a bird’s-eye partner, not a full replacement.
4) How do I maintain my farm drone?
Treat your drone like any farm machine. Check it before and after each flight. Clean off dust, especially from sensors and motors. Store it dry and cool. Keep firmware up to date and test the battery health regularly. Replace propellers if they get worn or chipped. And always keep a spare battery or two—charging downtime can be a productivity killer.
5) What if it’s windy or rainy? Can I still fly?
Most drones can handle light wind—up to 25–35 km/h—but heavy gusts will throw them off. Rain is a no-go unless the drone is waterproof (and most aren’t). Moisture can damage circuits or mess up your camera. If conditions look bad, play it safe and ground the drone. Some newer drones come with weather alerts built into the app. That’s handy for staying one step ahead.
Ready to Take Off?
Farming’s changing fast. Drones are no longer toys—they’re tools. The right drone can help you manage your land smarter, make better choices, and get ahead of issues before they cost you. But the wrong drone? That’s just money up in smoke.
So take your time. Think about what your farm needs, how often you’ll use the drone and what your budget allows. Match the drone to the job, not the other way around.
We’re at the edge of something exciting. Smart farming is here, and the sky’s full of opportunity.
If you’re ready to step into the future of agriculture, check out the expert advice and drone options at Precision Ag Services. They’ll help you find the perfect fit for your farm’s future.
Please fill out our enquiry form for more information or to make a booking.
