I am always amazed at how new technology changes our way of living.
The introduction of the smartphone and being able to meet up using Zoom or Teams during the recent lockdowns are some examples of how technology has helped us. Even within our own industry we have seen the introduction of robotic mowers, not just for domestic gardens but they are also being used on professional sportspitches. Precision spraying and sowing is now being used, thanks to satelitte technology, which prevents chemical and seed wastage. Now I hear that drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can be used to help farmers and groundsmen.
I recently read an article on how drones, particularly in the US, are being used as a way of spraying awkward areas on golf courses, such as steep banks and bunker edges. I saw a video clip of a greenkeeping colleague of mine, who is a course superintendent in an American golf club, using a drone to spray herbecide on a steep bank. He sprayed two acres of ground, which involved the drone needing two fills to complete the job. Each fill amounted to 19 litres of spray. Models of drones capable of lifting and transporting payloads weighing up to 250 kg are being developed and tested in Norway.
Apparently drone technology has been around since 1987, mainly in dusting agricultural crops, but it is new technology in golf. Golf clubs have been using drones for several years to video or photograph their course but using drones as a work vehicle is entirely new. It works on the basis that the drone operator maps out the coordinates, and the spray area is controlled using GPS. The exact amount of chemical used is calculated using RTK so there is no wastage of chemicals. Service Dealer Ireland featured, in past issues, RTK being used on tractors for sowing and spraying.
The use of drones in the agriculture industry is steadily on the increase. They can be used for precision herding of animals. This is already being done in New Zealand. The Irish Natura And Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has called for government grants to support the purchase of drones to enable this type of herding. Other uses of drones in agriculture include detecting diseases in crops, especially in the early stages of infection.
The agricultural drone market continues to develop worldwide, with some forecasts suggesting that it may become a billion US dollar market by 2024. There are numerous types on the market.
Perhaps dealers in Ireland could consider offering agricultural drones to their customers? The question is can dealers offer an after sales service and repairs to drones like they do with more traditional machinery? Renting out drones to customers is another option to consider.
Don’t forget, there are only two months left before the Service Dealer Conference and Awards kicks off. Keep the date in your diary, 25th of November at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry in England.
