Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) offer a whole new perspective on how you scout and manage your fields. Not only can they help identify potential problems earlier, they may also increase yield by identifying areas where inputs should be applied.

“Before using UAVs, I had to walk fields with 10-foot corn in the heat of the day to look for problem areas,” says Indiana farmer Corey Jacobs. “Now, I don’t have to be out there; I can scout my fields from above and get a bird’s-eye view of crops. It’s a whole new perspective.”

Jacobs has always been an advocate for improving technology practices on his family’s farm in rural Indiana. He saw immediate benefits of UAVs on his farm, which raises hogs and grows 1,500 acres of corn, and wanted to be able to offer the technology to others.

California farmer Martin Hein adds that, “This technology provides real-time information that can impact current high-value crops and the long-term future of established fields, groves and vineyards. Aerial imaging technology provides immediate data so farmers and growers can react quickly to changing conditions and opportunities.”

Hein is a fourth-generation California grower, managing 5,500 acres of almonds, avocados, citrus and grapes. As a commercial grower and an Accredited Farm Manager, he has experienced first hand how real-time information can impact crops. He relies on aerial imagery to provide immediate data so  he can react quickly to changing conditions in high-value crops.

The two men have joined forces with fellow growers Randy Aberle and Jason Schmidt to form Flying AG.

“We are offering products currently available in the market, but we are adding more value with our access to experts and by providing superior support, training, and service to our farm customers,” says Aberle, who raises corn, soybeans and wheat on his 1,500-acre farm outside of Gibson City, Illinois.

Aberle’s farming business is very technology focused. In addition to variable rate planting and input applications, he has also integrated aerial imaging into his operation. He has been flying his fields for the last five years,, which has allowed him to pinpoint problem areas like hail damage and bug infestations in early stages.

Schmidt has been a farmer in central Illinois and is a Channel Seed salesmen. Soon after learning about UAV’s application in ag, he recognized the value of aerial imaging technology for farmers who wanted to assess their field conditions and use real-time information to find effective solutions.

“At the end of the day, we want to provide good-value unmanned aerial systems and expert technical support to farmers who desire an advantage in both prosperous and challenging times,” notes Schmidt.

Learn more by visiting flyingag.com.