DRONES180 in action

When applying fungicides, Geoff and Josh have noticed better spray penetration and plant coverage in denser crop canopies. They attribute this to the airflow generated beneath the drone helping carry spray into the canopy, an improvement they have valued where foliage is thicker.

The Leighs also report more accurate fertiliser application rates compared with their traditional ground rigs. For their farming enterprises, greater control over application has been another practical advantage of adding drones to their equipment.

For cropping farmers Geoff and Josh Leigh in Winchelsea, Victoria, purchasing DJI AGRAS T50 drones from DRONES180 has been a game changer. Their drones have opened up access to areas that land-based equipment could not reach, helping them stay ahead of seasonal work.

Wet paddocks have been a particular challenge. When ground conditions restrict machinery access, the timing of essential applications becomes harder to manage. Geoff and Josh can now use their drones to apply fertiliser, fungicides, slug baits and herbicides in areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. That flexibility gives them more opportunities to get the job done when their crops need attention.

Smaller areas have become easier to manage, too. Aerial access reduces the need to move machinery through gates and make repeated turns in tight spaces. For Geoff and Josh, this means less time manoeuvring equipment and a simpler way to treat areas that can be awkward to cover with a ground rig.