Is It Worth Buying Agriculture Drones?

Today agriculture works rely on data and connectivity. Drones, automated tractors, and livestock application monitoring allow farmers to gain details analytics and real time data to improve efficient inputs and build sustainability. In developing countries, there has been a rise in precision and smart farming techniques, including the use of agriculture drones and automated tractors. By contrast, farmers in developed countries still question, "Is it worth buying agriculture drones?". Yet these machines are changing the game in the fields. Another option to avoid purchasing agriculture drones is hiring a service company. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of buying and hiring an agriculture drone service company?

Pros and Cons of Buying Agriculture Drones

Pros 

Long Term Cost Saving and Investment 

Using agriculture spraying drones can be a good investment for your farm, especially if you plan to use them frequently. Buying your drones might be more cost effective in the long run than hiring a company each time. But in this way, you can stay competitive with other farmers.

Flexibility Control

Having your personal used drones for farming is an excellent idea because it gives you more control over when and how you spray your crops. So you can adapt to weather and pest conditions without relying on a company.

Cons

Training and Certification Costs

Even if you want to purchase and maintain drones, specialized training and expertise are required to safely and effectively operate for agriculture spraying. Of course, you will pay more for the training and certification. Meanwhile, this additional investment of time and resources is necessary to ensure that the drones are appropriately used and that potential safety hazards are avoided.

High Upfront Costs

Buying agriculture drones can be expensive up front, which might be a dealbreaker for some of you. Plus, you will keep up with the maintenance and repair of drones, which can add even more to the cost and time investment.

(Avirtech engineers team is fixing a fixed wing drone.)

Pros and Cons of Hiring Agriculture Drones Service Company

Pros

Cost Effective and Get the Updated Technology 

Hiring an agriculture drone company may be more cost effective than buying your drones in the short term. You also will be okay with ongoing maintenance or repairs of the drones, which can add up over time. 

In addition, drone service companies typically have access to the latest technology and software. So it can ensure you can have accurate data for your crops.

Skilled and Trained Drones Pilot

Partnering with or hiring an agriculture drone service company is a solution if you want to avoid attending drone certification. The company typically employs experienced drones pilot trained in crop spraying or mapping techniques, resulting in more effective treatments. Usually, the agriculture drone service company also offers short training for farmers so they can also operate the drones for some time. Moreover, you will have more time to focus on managing post harvest and other vital aspects of farming.

(The Avirtech team participated in drone pilot training and certifications.)

Cons

No Long Term Cost Savings

If you want to spray or map your farm, using a drone company every time could be costly in the long run, especially when it comes to the maintenance and repair of drones. Some of you maybe like to buy your drone equipment for long-term benefits unless you have a budget. 

Minimum Spraying/Mapping Area

One of the most significant drawbacks of using drones for agriculture is that you might have to pay for more land than you need. Some companies require a minimum amount of land to be mapped or sprayed. 

When to Buy or Hire an Agriculture Drone Service Company

Buying your agriculture spraying drones or using a company depends on your needs, budget, and resources. Owning your drones gives you more control and flexibility. But it is also more expensive and requires ongoing maintenance. 

Hiring a company is also an excellent start if you want to enter agriculture drone services. You can get a professional drone pilot to handle the spraying and mapping. So you will not have to worry about it. However, it is essential to remember that you will need to invest in technology and have a large plantation to meet the criteria.