Drones Offer Young Farmers Affordable Path to Ag Tech

University researcher says drones can help attract and retain young people in agriculture.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:13am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a drone hovering over a lush green farm field, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the drone's intricate mechanical components, conceptually representing the role of advanced technology in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of young farmers.Affordable agricultural drones empower young farmers to embrace innovative technology and start their own precision farming businesses.Auburn Today

A university drone researcher says agricultural drones provide a rare opportunity for young people to get into farming and stay connected to the land. The technology offers a more affordable entry point compared to traditional farming equipment, allowing young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses with less than $150,000 in initial investment and see a quick return on their investment.

Why it matters

Retaining young talent in the agriculture industry is a persistent challenge, as many young people are drawn to urban centers and non-farming careers. Affordable precision agriculture technologies like drones could help reverse this trend by giving young farmers a chance to be entrepreneurial and start their own agribusinesses without taking on crippling debt.

The details

Steve Li, a professor and drone researcher at Auburn University, said at a Canadian Agricultural Drone Association conference that drones "provide a very rare opportunity for young folks" to get into farming. He noted that when Canadian regulations allow for drone-based herbicide spraying, it will enable young people to start their own agricultural businesses for under $150,000, with the ability to pay off equipment costs and start turning a profit after just one season. Brothers Todd, 22, and Brayden, 26, Fraser of Churchbridge, Saskatchewan attended the conference to learn more about using drones on their farm and for a potential business venture, seeing drones as a "much more approachable price point versus million dollar planes."

  • The Canadian Agricultural Drone Association conference took place in April 2026.
  • Current Canadian regulations do not allow for drone-based herbicide spraying, but Li expects this to change in the future.

The players

Steve Li

A professor and drone researcher at Auburn University in Alabama who spoke at the Canadian Agricultural Drone Association conference.

Todd Fraser

A 22-year-old farmer from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan who attended the drone conference to learn about using the technology on his farm and for a potential business venture.

Brayden Fraser

The 26-year-old brother of Todd Fraser, who also attended the drone conference to explore agricultural drone applications for their farm.

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What they’re saying

“The drones, especially these agriculture drones, provide a very rare opportunity for young folks.”

— Steve Li, Professor and drone researcher

“They are a much more approachable price point versus million dollar planes.”

— Brayden Fraser, Farmer

“If you can do it yourself, you can save money.”

— Todd Fraser, Farmer

What’s next

When Canadian regulations allow for drone-based herbicide spraying, it will open up new business opportunities for young farmers to start their own drone-powered agribusinesses.

The takeaway

Affordable precision agriculture technologies like drones could help attract and retain young talent in the farming industry, giving entrepreneurial young people a chance to start their own businesses with relatively low upfront costs and quick returns on investment compared to traditional farming equipment.