By Blake Jackson
American Drone, based in Marshfield, specializes in large custom drones designed for crop monitoring and application services. These drones, weighing up to 250 pounds when fully loaded and spanning 12 feet, are gaining popularity in agriculture and various industries. The company is set to showcase two of its drones at the upcoming Eau Claire Farm Show, which will be held at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center from March 4-5.
American Drone offers both service-based and owner-operator solutions. CEO Jeramy Williams explains that their business has two key branches: a service side, where the company provides drone applications, and a sales side, where customers can purchase drones and receive support. For those interested in operating drones themselves, American Drone provides training, legal guidance, and equipment to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.
The company’s drones are highly effective for tasks such as spraying fungicides, herbicides, and other agricultural inputs. They provide a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional methods, especially in difficult conditions like wet soil. Drones can cover up to five acres in under seven minutes, making them highly efficient for large-scale applications.
American Drone also offers services beyond traditional farming, including applications for cranberry marshes, forestry, and even golf courses. For example, drones were used to spray two golf courses overnight, saving time compared to traditional methods.
The drones are equipped with cameras and can carry up to 18 gallons of liquid per flight. With speeds of up to 40 mph and an altitude of 12-15 feet, these drones are an effective and safer alternative to crop dusting, which is associated with aviation risks. American Drone works closely with its clients to ensure safe and legal drone operation, which typically takes three to four months of training and certification.
The Eau Claire Farm Show is free to attend and provides a great opportunity to learn more about drone applications in agriculture by visiting the website.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Wisconsin, Equipment & Machinery