Precision agriculture consulting, NDVI data analysis, and spray program design.
Agricultural drone consulting helps farmers and agribusinesses develop drone spray programs, interpret aerial data, select equipment, and build the business case for drone integration. Consultants review NDVI and multispectral data, design variable-rate prescription maps, advise on product selection and carrier volumes, and help operators start or grow commercial drone businesses.
PA/MD seeding specialist · $52K PA Agriculture Innovation Grant recipient
Carlisle, PA drone seeding specialist founded 2020 by Molly Cheatum and Bill Chain. Focuses on cover crops, pasture improvement, meadow and wildlife habitat restoration, tree seeding, and soil regeneration. Recipient of a $52K PA Agriculture Innovation Grant. Partner of Penn State Extension and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
PA · definitive guide for drone pesticide applicator licensing + research
Provides the definitive guide for becoming an aerial drone pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, covering FAA Part 107, Part 137, and PA Department of Agriculture Category 25 (Aerial Applicator) requirements. Conducts active cover crop seeding research with Swift Aeroseed. Maintains PA DCNR aerial applicator list including drone operators.
Consulting sessions typically cover equipment selection, FAA certification requirements, state licensing, insurance, business model development, spray program design, and data interpretation from aerial imaging. Rates range from $200 per hour for specific questions to $2,500 for full program development.
There are 2 operators offering ag consulting drone services in Pennsylvania: Swift Aeroseed LLC, Penn State Extension.