Agricultural drone use soars among NZ contractors

The NZ Agricultural Drone Association estimates that there are about 160 large agricultural spray drones operating in the country.

Association president Craig Simpson told Rural News that over the past year, they've seen a real shift in momentum.

"Up until recently, there were around 80 large agricultural spray drones in operation across the country. But this year alone, that number has easily doubled - and it's still climbing," he says.

Simpson attributes this to the technology "hitting a sweet spot".

"A few years ago, drones were limited to carrying 20-litre tanks. Now we're seeing models that can carry up to 80 litres with much longer flight times, which makes them a genuinely viable alternative to traditional ground or air equipment for many jobs," he says.

Increased visibility is also driving growth. Simpson says that once farmers or contractors see an ag drone in action and how fast and precise they are it makes sense.

"They can immediately see where it fits into their operation, and the demand tends to grow from there.

"What's also interesting is that we're starting to see ag-drones being used in ways we hadn't initially expected. As people get more familiar with the tech, they're finding creative and practical applications we hadn't planned for, from targeted cover crop seeding to spraying in areas too steep or fragile for tractors. The more they're used, the more use cases seem to emerge."

Simpson's company Aerolab is the largest supplier of commercial agricultural drones in New Zealand. Founded five years ago, the company has seen exponential growth.

"Every year we've doubled in size, and this year we've already surpassed last year's sales - and we're only partway through.

"We're proud to say we're now the largest supplier of commercial agricultural drones in New Zealand.

"We offer the widest range of models in the country, working with five leading manufacturers and supplying nine different drone platforms, including well-known names like DJI and TopXGun.

"Where we've seen the biggest growth is in supporting new ag drone users as they navigate the regulatory process of becoming certified pilots. There's a rigorous pathway involved, from training to certification and ongoing compliance, and we've built a system that helps our customers through every step. It's not just about selling the drone - it's about making sure they're fully set up to operate safely, legally, and with confidence."

A lot of agricultural contractors are adding drones to their service offering because they fill a useful gap - right between between ground-based machinery and traditional aircraft.

When conditions are too wet for a tractor or too steep for a ground rig, but the job's too small or awkward for a plane, that's where a drone really shines. It can get in and do the work quickly, safely, and with incredible precision, says Simpson.

"And in many cases, the drone doesn't just fill the gap - it does the job better. Less soil compaction, more targeted application, lower chemical use, and reduced drift. It's a smart tool for modern land management, and the flexibility it offers is changing how contractors think about their entire operation."