A recent USDA cattle behavior-based grant focused on beef production decentralization, especially among small farmers.

Applying inputs onto crops is a part of any production operation – directly or indirectly. So, how can we be applying these inputs so that they are more efficient and cost conscious? Many have turned to spray drones for the answer – quickly making drone-based aerial application a sustainable option for the future.

Today, drones have the ability to spray herbicides, pesticides and fungicides at 8 feet off the ground. They also can spread solids like seeds, bugs and compost. They do it quietly, quickly and precisely.

Marcus Hollmann, a consultant based in Wisconsin; and Steve Mayo, a consultant assistant based in Idaho, both with Standard Dairy Consultants, use drones to help their dairy clients with feed management and completing TMR audits. 

"Our work offers a solid proof of concept that drone data can be used for accurate sugarbeet yield and ERS prediction in-season."

Nitrogen (N) can be a yield-limiting nutrient in wheat cropping systems. If used correctly, N fertilization provides one of the largest returns on investment for yield gains and quality enhancement.