TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Field spraying is a vital part of a farmer’s job. However, as technology evolves, new methods, like drones, are being invented.
“It’s growing immensely. I mean, just this year, you’re hearing of multiple different companies starting up,” said Braxton Christensen, owner of Agri Spray Drone Service.
Christensen is in his second year of drone spraying farmers’ fields in the Magic Valley. He has had many careers, but stumbled onto drone spraying after getting injured.
“I grew up on a small farm South of Burley, left when I joined the military and said I was never coming back,” Christensen said. “Lo and behold, through different careers, here I am. I stumbled upon this and said, ‘Hey, I know how to fly drones and I would like to get back in the agriculture business.’ I enjoyed it and missed it from being a kid. One thing led to another and next thing I know I’m buying a drone, getting my licensing and getting ready to rock’n’roll.”
While ground rig spraying is still vital for farm use, drones can help reach more difficult areas, like wet fields.
“If ground rig pulled up to that, he wouldn’t be able to spray because the field would be too muddy,” Christensen said. “Other places that I can spray around homes this it’s a lot quieter and I can get around there and not cause any have.”
The drones can spray up to five acres per battery charge, lasting seven to eight minutes. Christensen can spray herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers; however, he can also drop other chemicals on fields.
“I also have a hopper that allows me to put dry seed into the drone as well. And for instance, a couple days ago and I went and put cover crop in a couple of different corn fields.”
Christensen used to be in law enforcement. His new career offers a much quieter setting.
“Being able to come out here and not have people yelling or upset or anything like that and just be able to put headphones in, listen to a podcast, enjoy God’s country and spray some crops. It’s awesome, you know. I’m providing the service that this area needs and hopefully doing a good job that the farmers and growers like it and relax and fly a drone all day.”
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