As global food demand soars, American farmers face an unprecedented convergence of challenges—rising costs, resource limitations, labor shortages, and increasingly unpredictable weather. As a result, drone technology has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing how farms operate by driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
With the U.S. agricultural sector contributing over $1.530 trillion, or 5%, of the national GDP, drones can play a pivotal role in safeguarding this vital industry. As a leader in drone innovation, DJI has been at the forefront of this transformation, empowering farmers to optimize their operations, conserve resources, and increase crop yields all over the world.
In our new ViewPoints series, Farmers of the Future, we will spotlight real-world stories that show how drones have strengthened agriculture innovation and practices, and we kick the series off with a look into the significant benefits drones can bring to farms across America today.
Enhancing Efficiency and Precision in Crop Management
From precision farming to water conservation, agricultural technologies are delivering more efficient and sustainable farming methods. While the amount of land and labor in American farming has declined over the past seven decades, agricultural output has nearly tripled, thanks in large part to technological innovations.
Drone technology can empower farmers with faster, more precise ways to manage their fields. Compared to traditional equipment such as rigs, ground sprayers, or small airplanes, drones offer superior precision. They can spray herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers with accuracy, reducing waste and ensuring that only targeted areas are treated. This level of precision also enables drones to plant cover crops, such as cereal rye, helping farmers maximize land use with minimal disruption to soil.
But what truly sets drones apart is their ability to survey vast farmland quickly and provide real-time insights. With infrared cameras, drones can swiftly identify signs of crop stress—whether from drought, pests, or disease—allowing farmers to make early interventions with precision irrigation or pesticides.
Enabling Cost and Resource Savings
Beyond efficiency, drones can drive significant cost savings. By minimizing the need for expensive machinery and limiting reliance on manned aircraft, drones offer farmers a cost-effective alternative for many tasks. According to estimates, drone farming could generate between $85 billion and $115 billion globally through improved yields and savings.
Resource conservation is another major benefit. As highlighted in our Agriculture Drone Industry Insight Report (2023/2024), agricultural drones have treated over 500 million hectares globally, yielding cumulative savings of 210 million metric tons of water—equivalent to the annual water consumption of 390 million people. Furthermore, agricultural drone use has reduced chemical usage by 47,000 metric tons and lowered carbon emissions by 25.72 million metric tons—equal to the annual carbon sequestration of 1.2 billion trees.
Boosting Agricultural Employment and Entrepreneurship
The ripple effects of drone adoption extend beyond individual farms. The technology is also fueling new business opportunities, creating jobs and driving entrepreneurship across rural communities. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has predicted that over 100,000 new American jobs would be created between 2015 to 2025, with a majority in the agriculture industry.
One area of growth is the rise of entrepreneurial third-party drone service providers who cater to farmers’ needs. For example, two enterprising high school students from Tipton, Missouri started an agricultural drone-spraying business that covers 2,500 acres annually, applying fungicides and insecticides to crops like corn and beans. Such services not only generate income streams for operators but also help small-scale farmers access technology that might otherwise be out of reach, boosting overall agricultural productivity.
Moreover, U.S.-based companies are also developing software specifically designed for DJI drones for agricultural use, turning them into customizable and versatile assets that further optimize farming operations.
Enabling a Sustainable Future for Farmers
The future of farming isn’t just about producing more; it’s about doing so sustainably, efficiently, and in ways that benefit both people and the planet. But doing so will require harnessing the full potential of agricultural technologies like drones by increasing accessibility, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating a conducive regulatory environment that encourages innovation.
Drones are not just tools—they are key drivers of innovation, sustainability, resilience, and economic growth in American farming. An evidence-based approach to policy making will ensure they remain a cornerstone of America’s agricultural future.
Stay tuned for our next “Farmers of the Future” article where we feature…American farmers!