Drones are rapidly changing how land is managed across New Zealand, offering smarter, safer, and more efficient ways to tackle everyday challenges in farming and forestry.
Precision Agriculture for Smarter Farming
In agriculture, drones are helping farmers move toward precision-based practices. With rapidly advancing technology, high-resolution cameras and mapping tools, drones can capture imagery enabling farmers to monitor crop health, spot nutrient deficiencies, and identify pest or disease outbreaks early. This means inputs like fertiliser and spray can be applied where they are needed - saving money, reducing the environmental impact, and improving yields. For livestock farmers, drones also offer a practical way to check stock, water troughs, and fence lines across large or remote paddocks without needing to jump on a quad bike.
Spraying and Spreading Solutions for Hill Country and Horticulture
Spraying and spreading drones are becoming especially useful in hill country and horticulture. These systems can apply liquid or granular products with pinpoint accuracy, even on steep terrain or in tight orchard rows. That’s a big win for areas where traditional machinery struggles or risks damaging the land. Whether it’s pasture spraying, re-seeding eroded slopes, native tree and plant release spraying or applying foliar nutrients in orchards, drones offer a flexible and low-impact solution.
Forestry Applications and Wilding Pine Control
Forestry is also seeing major benefits. Drones are used to map blocks, monitor regeneration, and apply herbicides to invasive species. One standout application is wilding pine control. These trees spread aggressively across high country and conservation land, choking out native ecosystems. Drones allow for targeted herbicide application on isolated or hard-to-reach trees - reducing the need for ground crews or helicopters and helping protect biodiversity with minimal disruption.
Targeted Gorse Control in Difficult Terrain
Gorse control is another area where drones shine. With the ability to fly low and slow over scrubby terrain, drones can deliver herbicide directly to infestations without harming surrounding vegetation. This is especially valuable in mixed-use landscapes where native bush and pasture sit side by side.
Data-Driven Land Care and Environmental Compliance
Beyond the flying itself, drones provide digital records of every job - maps, application rates, and flight paths - which support compliance, planning, and long-term land care. It’s not just about doing the job faster; it’s about doing it better.
For landowners, farmers, and foresters looking to tap into these benefits, TAG Droneworks offers professional aerial services using advanced platforms like the XAG P150. With a focus on precision, safety, and practical impact, TAG delivers tailored solutions for spraying, spreading, mapping, and targeted weed control - helping clients manage their land more effectively, from the paddock to the bush line.
