UAVs & Drones

The use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fitted with cameras to estimate pasture growth has sparked interest from Australian dairy farmers.

One of the key questions when it comes to drones is whether flying a drone with sensors or cameras can estimate pasture mass quicker, easier and more accurately than more traditional methods such as the rising plate meter, pasture rulers, CDAX bike readers or by eye.

This fact sheet, prepared by the staff at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Dairy Centre at Burnie, Tasmania, describes how drones, cameras and other new technology may assist in estimating pasture mass. In addition, the fact sheet also examines the benefits and limitations of using drones mounted with a camera for measuring pasture biomass.