#75 High Tech on the Farm: How Drones Are Transforming Landcare

Gillian and Katja kick off the third in their Landcare series, featuring Three Rivers Landcare coordinator Carmel Bundy and drone survey pilot Ben Watts.

They discuss how drones are used less as a novelty and more as a tool to collect objective, high-resolution mapping data, including 3D models and plant health maps, to benchmark ground cover and land condition over time and help landholders communicate stewardship to stakeholders.

Carmel explains the project began through ag skill funding and quickly filled, leading to a second course that trained 27 Landcare members of diverse ages. Ben describes 15 years of agricultural drone use, benefits for safety and coverage, early stress detection 7–10 days before visible symptoms, and targeted treatment to reduce chemical use and support sustainability.

"Drone can highlight crop plant stress from insect attack, disease or nutrient deficiency 7-10 days earlier than you can see with your naked eye".... 

Listen to the episode via this LINK