Drones in Agriculture

From checking crops to spraying pastures, drones are quickly becoming part of the daily toolkit for farmers, ranchers, and even our team at Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma. While the technology itself is impressive, the real story is how people right here at home are putting it to work.

Spraying With Precision

For Lamont, Oklahoma, farmer and custom applicator Cameron Lockwood, drones have become a game-changer. Earlier this year, Cameron purchased spray drones that he now uses primarily on pastures and hay meadows for area farmers and ranchers.

When asked about the benefits compared to a ground rig or aircraft, Cameron explained: “Drones can get in places that larger equipment cannot. Because of their maneuverability, they’re more precise, and there isn’t much of a drift problem.” He gave the example of spraying near tree lines: “With a drone, I can get in and around trees that might otherwise receive drift with a different method.”

For Cameron, the ability to spray precisely where needed not only improves application results but also reduces waste and protects neighboring land.

From Dirt Work to Ranch Work

For Shane Schmidt, drones first became a tool for his dirt work business. He uses his drone to map and create 3D images of terrain, showing elevation changes and natural water flow.

“Using a drone is a time saver for me and assists me in providing customers with accurate job quotes,” Shane said. “Seeing a bird’s-eye 3D view with precise dimensions tells me exactly how much dirt I need to move and how much time it will take.”

Before long, Shane began using his drone for agricultural purposes as well. He now checks cattle and crops from the air, and he’s even tested a family member’s aerial spraying drone.

“Spraying with a drone gets the chemical into the crop better and helps prevent drifting,” he explained.

In the Pasture with Chris

While many know Chris Steadman as a loan officer with Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, he also farms and ranches. Chris has added an aerial spraying drone to his own operation, using it to treat pastures.

“I’ve been really happy with the effectiveness and maneuverability of the drone,” Chris said. “It’s been a great addition to my operation, and I really enjoy using the technology.”

For Chris, the drone offers both flexibility and precision – and it’s become a tool he looks forward to using.

Helping Appraisers Do Their Job

Our Farm Credit appraisal team has also put drones to use, especially when land is difficult to access due to waterways, rough terrain, or weather conditions. By flying a drone, appraisers can capture the photos they need quickly and safely, without delays.

Larry Zook, Senior Appraiser, shared: “It aids me in getting good photos of hard-to-access areas, which helps us serve customers in a timely manner even when we’re faced with challenges.”

Looking Ahead

Whether it’s mapping terrain, spraying weeds, checking cattle, or photographing land, drones are proving to be more than a novelty. They’re practical tools that save time, cut costs, and improve efficiency for today’s agriculturalists.

As Cameron, Shane, Chris, and Larry have shown, drones are opening the door to new possibilities in Oklahoma agriculture — and they’re only getting better from here.