Soaring to New Heights at Ag Drone School in Innisfree

Soaring to New Heights at Ag Drone School in Innisfree

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

“The sky is not the limit, it’s an opportunity.” That’s the phrase Markus Weber coined. It holds true for himself and other drone enthusiasts, including those who attended Ag Drone School in Innisfree on April 6-7.

The two day course was put on by Weber’s company LandView Drones. It was hosted by the Innisfree & District Agricultural Society and attracted a total of 15 participants. One of the participants was Flagstaff County Assistant Agriculture Fieldman Nick Dunn.

Participant Nick Dunn.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dunn said he used drones in his previous work with Nutrien and now with Flagstaff County. He also uses drones in his photography and videography business. He said drones are another tool in the tool box to increase efficiency and return on investment. As well, they are extremely beneficial when it comes to crop scouting, mapping, inspections and surveys.

Even though Dunn already had a basic operations certificate, changes to the Canada Aviation Regulations by Transport Canada have made it a requirement for every pilot of a drone over 250 g to hold a Pilot’s Certificate and to register their drones.

Dunn said there are a lot of rules and regulations, and it’s great to be able to combine theory and practical hands on training. He, along with other participants learned air law, drone systems, theory of flight, human factors, multispectral imaging, field hazard assessment, meteorology, navigation, radiotelephony and flight operations.

Spraying drones are being used for the application of: fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides. The technology can be deployed to spread seeds, animal feed and herbicides. It is more advanced and capable than ever before can also be used to survey land and map weeds.

Head Instructor Robin Harrison said there are many different uses for drones on the farm. Kevin Taschuk, who owns a grain and cattle farm near Two Hills, agrees wholeheartedly with Harrison.

Taschuk said he decided to attend Ag Drone School after receiving an invitation in the mail. He believes using drones will be a real time saver when it comes to checking on cattle and crop scouting. He said he learned how to operate a drone, link it to a computer and transfer data. He said knowing what software to use was also very valuable information to learn. Now all that’s left to do is try out his new wings.