A VegNET Gippsland demonstration night on the use of drones for spray application was a catalyst for growers to embrace the use of this technology in the region.

Drones are a significant topic of interest to Victorian vegetable growers following a very wet summer that saw substantial crop losses due to extended periods of restricted field access.

Two vegetable growers who attended the event each purchased a drone to increase their productivity and profitability on-farm. Peninsula Fresh Organics and Covino Farms share what it takes to get a spray drone up and running, including registration, licensing, compliance and in-field setup.

While there is a learning hump to get started, the benefits of spray drones include more efficient and effective application of products, increased crop accessibility following bad weather, lower up-front machinery costs and a safer working environment.