A South Dakota State University study found one in four farmers surveyed are using drones. Researchers surveyed 595 corn and soybean farmers. About 18 percent use drones for crop imagery, while 13 percent use them to apply fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides. Application drones are newer, but their use is growing quickly. The study found 22 percent of farmers using drones for input applications reported profits increased at least five percent. Cost remains a concern. SDSU researchers say more education and financial help could give farmers a better idea if drones make sense for their operation.
