Ag Alert. May 3, 2023

Studies tout precise pesticide applications, drones By Bob Johnson

Current regulations require farmers to complete a time-consuming apprentice- ship program before they can be licensed to use drones for pesticide applications. Stehly said AB 1016 would give the California Department of Pesticide Regulation “direction and flexibility to craft a clearer path for farmers like me to get licensed without compromising the safety of field workers or the public.” The current standard method for ap- plying insecticides is to have a rig broad- cast the material to seed lines as it travels between crop rows or have workers apply insecticides from backpacks. Stehly said using drones can eliminate the need for a mist blower—“basically a leaf blower with a tank of chemicals, weighing about 60 pounds, fully load- ed, that is carried on the back of the field worker.” He added, “The field worker trudges through the vineyard, trying to maintain a uniform walking speed and application rate while climbing up and down hills, avoiding rocks and gopher holes. “With drone spray technology, we can not only remove the worker from the ap- plication area, we’re removing a heavy, gas-filled sprayer and chemical-filled tank from their back.” Researchers are focusing on multiple

Future farmers may benefit from insect control systems that are more precise, ef- ficient and safe than today’s pesticide ap- plications. The use of drones, in particular, could make for uniform and precise appli- cations, while allowing farm employees to maintain distance from spraying. Drones are already increasingly used to release beneficial insects in farm fields. For example, Braga Fresh, a producer of organic and conventional vegetables and salads, is using the technology—and a licensed drone operator—to administer pest-devouring bugs at its organic ranch in Soledad. University of California and U.S. Department of Agriculture trials showed that precision pesticide application provided su- perior control of aphids, thrips and a deadly plant virus that thrips have carried to lettuce in the Central Coast. Though the studies an- alyzed camera-based systems mounted on tractors, researchers say the technology is similar to that used in drone spraying. In 2020, UC researchers evaluating the efficiency of drones applying insecticides in alfalfa fields in Yolo County concluded the technology offered “a viable option for aerial application of pesticides.” “Many California farmers want the oppor- tunity to utilize this safe and accurate tech- nology,” said Al Stehly, a third-generation

A drone applies pesticides to an alfalfa field in Yolo County during trials conducted by University of California researchers in 2020. Proposed legislation could help facilitate drone use on farm fields.

farmer who grows avocados, citrus fruit and winegrapes in San Diego County and runs a custom applicator business. Stehly said the technology offers an aerial application tool for farmers in sit- uations in which helicopters or fixed- wing aircraft are neither efficient nor cost-effective. He said drones offer ef- fective remedies for small vineyards and farms as well as targeted treatments for larger properties.

Stehly testified before the state Assembly Committee on Agriculture on March 29 on behalf of legislation to adopt more flexible licensing requirements for farmers who want to use drones to apply insecticides and fungicides. Sponsored by the California Farm Bureau and in- troduced by Assembly Member Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, the bill has advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support.

See DRONES, Page 10

www.precision-today.net

Agricultural Market Review

ZA-TS – A world of precision Mounted spreader I 369 gal. – 1,110 gal. I 49 ft – 177 ft ArgusTwin I 369 gal. – 1,110 gal. I 49 ft – 177 ft ZA-TS – A world of precision Mounted spreader I 369 gal. – 1,110 gal. I 49 ft – 177 ft ArgusTwin Permanent monitoring and optimisation of the lateral distribution via radar sensors. » Permanent monitoring and optimisation of the lateral distribution via radar sensors. Permanent monitoring and optimisation of the lateral distribution via radar sensors. » Permanent monitoring and optimisation of the lateral distribution via radar sensors. I 369 gal. – 1,110 gal. I 49 ft – 177 ft

www.precision-today.net

WindControl system The influence of the wind on the spread pattern is permanently monitored and automatically compensated for with WindControl. » The influence of the wind on the spread pattern is permanently monitored and automatically compensated for with WindControl. WindControl system The influence of the wind on the spread pattern is permanently monitored and automatically compensated for with WindControl. » The influence of the wind on the spread pattern is permanently monitored and automatically compensated for with WindControl. Profis weighing check Precise monitoring and control of the application rate via the 200 Hz weighing technology and the tilt sensor. » Precise monitoring and control of the application rate via the 200 Hz weighing technology and the tilt sensor. Profis weighing check Precise monitoring and control of the application rate via the 200 Hz weighing technology and the tilt sensor. » Precise monitoring and control of the application rate via the 200 Hz weighing technology and the tilt sensor. FlowCheck Permanent monitoring of the outlet openings for blockages and empty running. » Permanent monitoring of the outlet openings for blockages and empty running. FlowCheck Permanent monitoring of the outlet openings for blockages and empty running. » Permanent monitoring of the outlet openings for blockages and empty running.

Quotations are the latest available for the week ending April 28, 2023 Year Ago Week Ago Latest Week Livestock Slaughter Steers – 5-Area Average Select & Choice, 1150–1460 lbs., $ per cwt. 139 174.45 173 Hogs – Average hog, 51-52% lean, Iowa-Minn. market, $ per cwt. 99.81 69.56 77.56 Slaughter Lambs – $ per cwt. 125–175 lbs. National weekly live sales 196-249.50 151-170 114-165 Field crops – basis prompt shipment Barley – U.S. No. 2, $ per cwt. Truck, Stockton-Modesto-Oakdale-Turlock No Quote No Quote No Quote Cotton – ¢ per lb., Middling 1 3/32” Fresno spot market 98.04 79.16 78.10 Corn – U.S. No. 2 yellow $ per bu. trucked No Quote 8.82 8.26 Alfalfa Hay – $ per ton, quality*, FOB Region 1, Northern Inter-mountain 250 (F/G) 240 (F/G) 310 (S) Region 2, Sacramento Valley 360 (orchard mix) No Quote No Quote Region 3, Northern San Joaquin Valley 370-390 (P/S) No Quote No Quote Region 4, Central San Joaquin Valley No Quote No Quote 440 (S) Region 5, Southern California No Quote No Quote 23 (S, per bale) Region 6, Southeast Interior 365-380 (P/S) 325-330 (P/S) 330 (P) Oat Hay – $ per ton, quality*, FOB Northern California, dairy No Quote No Quote No Quote Oats – U.S. No. 2 white, $ per cwt. Statewide, trucked price No Quote No Quote No Quote

AutoTS border spreading system The disc-integrated AutoTS border spreading system can be used for comfortable activation of the various border spreading procedures from the tractor cab via the terminal. The disc-integrated AutoTS border spreading system can be used for comfortable activation of the various border spreading procedures from the tractor cab via the terminal. AutoTS border spreading system The disc-integrated AutoTS border spreading system can be used for comfortable activation of the various border spreading procedures from the tractor cab via the terminal. The disc-integrated AutoTS border spreading system can be used for comfortable activation of the various border spreading procedures from the tractor cab via the terminal.

MERCED HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 209-723-2021 www.holtags.com RICHVALE HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 530-433-2080 www.holtags.com

SALIDA HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 209-523-0781 www.holtags.com WILLIAMS HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 530-473-2866 www.holtca.com WILLOWS HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 209-523-0781 www.holtags.com

WOODLAND HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 530-666-1944 www.holtags.com YUBA CITY HOLT AG SOLUTIONS 209-523-0781 www.holtags.com

Dry Beans – Grower FOB prices Baby Limas, $ per cwt, (sacked) Large Limas, $ per cwt. (sacked) Blackeye, $ per cwt. (sacked)

No Quote No Quote No Quote

Rice – Milled No. 1 Head, FOB No. Calif. mills Medium grain, $ per cwt. Wheat – U.S. No. 2 or better, winter, $ per cwt. 13% protein, Los Angeles, trucked price

54-56

No Quote

70-72

No Quote No Quote Provided by the California Farm Bureau as a service to Farm Bureau members. Information supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market News Branch. * ADF=Acid detergent fiber; (S) = Supreme/<27%ADF; (P) = Premium/27-29; (G) = Good/29-32; (F) = Fair/32-35. No Quote

GO for Innovation | amazone.net

amz_r1_22_K142_4,75x6_Zoll_4c_ZA-TS_en_us.indd 1 GO for Innovation | amazone.net

22.08.22 10:42

amz_r1_22_K142_4,75x6_Zoll_4c_ZA-TS_en_us.indd 1 6 Ag Alert May 3, 2023

22.08.22 10:42