Drone technology trialled

Innovative Farmers, the not-for-profit network promoting farmer-led research, has facilitated drone technology trials with potato farmers in Lincolnshire and Staffordshire.
The trials, carried out last season, involved three large scale growers in a project co-ordinated by John Cook, an independant crop consultant.
The drones monitored whether the crops were ready for harvesting. Fitted with cameras to detect light wavelength, the drones assessed plant maturity and highlighted ‘zones’ in need of attention – for example plants in need of fertiliser boosts and those in need of topping.
Those participating said they had been impressed with the results so far.