By Andi Anderson
Drones are slowly becoming part of modern farming in Iowa, especially for crop scouting and pesticide applications.
However, many farmers remain unsure about how useful the technology truly is, according to results from the 2025 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Farming has relied on aircraft for many years to help with scouting and spraying. Recent improvements in drone technology have made small, unmanned aircraft easier to use and more affordable.
As a result, interest among farmers has increased, leading researchers to ask more detailed questions about drone use.
“As agricultural drone technology has improved, many opportunities to more efficiently scout for and treat pests and disease have emerged, and both farmers and drone service providers are taking advantage,” said J. Arbuckle, extension sociologist and director of the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. “This year’s survey looked at how farmers are using drones and their attitudes toward them, to better understand their information needs.”
The survey found that 22% of Iowa farmers used drones or hired drone services in 2024. Most farmers accessed drones through specialized service providers or agricultural cooperatives. Only about one-quarter owned their own drones.
Monitoring and scouting crops was the most common use, followed closely by pesticide application. Fewer farmers used drones for planting or fertilizer application.
“Farmers don’t need to invest in drones right away,” said Doug Houser, digital agriculture extension specialist, “Many are gaining experience by working with drone service providers, which allows them to better understand the value of the technology on their operation before making a purchase decision.”
Farmer opinions about drones were mixed. While many agreed drones can be controlled with precision, fewer believed they save time or are easy to operate.
Wind, malfunction risks, and costs were common concerns. A large number of farmers selected “uncertain” when asked about both benefits and risks.
“Interestingly, uncertainty was high on most attitudinal items for both drone users and those who have not used them,” noted Arbuckle. “A big take-home is that while many farmers are interested in the technology, they’re still not comfortable with drones and have a lot to learn.”
These findings highlight the need for education.
“We are still early in the adoption curve, but drones are getting better at range of applications from crop scouting and rock identification to developing spray prescriptions, and farmers are wanting to know more about them,” added Houser. “ISU Extension and Outreach has been developing informational resources and workshops to provide farmers with opportunities to learn about drones and whether they might make sense for their operations.”
The study shows promise for drones, but also a clear need for continued learning.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Iowa, Equipment & Machinery