Drone Pollinators Boost Crop Production

Drone Pollinators Boost Crop Production COMPUTERS Dropcopter is a company out of Syracuse N Y that uses fleets of drones to drop pollen over fields and orchards One-third of the world’s food supply depends on pollination but natural pollinators are struggling to keep up Colony collapse alone has decimated bee populations by more than 50 percent within the last decade and renting hives can lead to unpredictable results During the blooming period Dropcopter drones fly 10 ft above the trees and dispense pollen to the blossoms below at a pre-determined application rate resulting in even pollination for better fruit set and more predictable harvests On average each Dropcopter drone can pollinate 20 acres per day Mechanical pollination is nothing new It’s a proven way to increase yields and seed production for many high-value orchard crops Dropcopter changes the equation by offering a way to do mechanical pollination on a larger scale Dropcopter pollination also improves on nature from a consistency standpoint Bees aren’t programmable and they tend to visit certain sections of orchards more than others which leads to uneven pollination Relying on drones ensures every plant receives enough pollen Likewise Dropcopters can operate at night or in chilly conditions when living pollinators are inactive The drones can even replenish pollen if unexpected rainstorms have washed it away Independent research suggests that Dropcopter pollination measures can increase crop yields by 10 to 60 percent Dropcopter currently works with apples almonds cherries pears and other nut and fruit crops and has locations in N Y Calif and Wash - although the company will work worldwide While prices vary the average pollination cost for the recommended two applications is $300 per acre Interested growers can get in touch at Dropcopter com to learn more about their options and receive a custom quote Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Dropcopter 235 Harrison Street #48 Syracuse N Y 13202 ph 530-586-4770; www dropcopter com

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