Grainswest - Tech 2026

Tech 2026 Grains West 22 AG TECH BY IAN DOIG Digital innovation is seemingly everywhere in agriculture. In the field, or soon to be, this collection of new and in-development products, much of it digitally enhanced, primarily aims to improve decision-making and increase efficiency of farm operations. Headquartered in northeast Calgary, drone manufacturer Advanced UAV launched operation in 2020 with a focus on firefighting and other tasks but quickly made precision agriculture its mainstay. Its flagship aircraft is the A70 agricultural drone, so named for its 70-litre liquid capacity. Advanced UAV manufactures the drone in its own facility, employs proprietary operational software and uses hardware components that are partially supplied by local manufacturers. As such, the business can service its drones more quickly and efficiently than users can expect with foreign models. “You get that support straight away,” said Christina Jarmics, Advanced UAV’s marketing representative. The business also offers operational and drone certification training. Jarmics noted the A70 is constructed to be lightweight yet durable enough to withstand tough Canadian weather conditions. Crop protection products approved for drone application and liquid fertilizer can be sprayed using two or four nozzles with an adjustable application rate. Seeding can be carried out with the addition of a spreader mechanism. Clients in B.C. use the drone to tend blueberry and cranberry crops, while A70 users on the Prairies primarily employ the unit on broadacre crops and pastureland. Typically, two A70 drones employed in tandem can apply product across 65 acres every hour. The rate of coverage depends on factors such as weather, the type of product being employed and terrain, said Jarmics. “Let’s have a discussion, so you know exactly what the drone can do for you.” The federal On-Farm Climate Action Fund offers 50 per cent reimbursement for a drone purchase up to $20,000. For farmers interested in drone application but not ready to commit to a purchase, leasing is an option, and Advanced UAV also offers custom spraying and spreading services. “ You get that support straight away." – Christina Jarmics Farm equipment development moves in new directions Go airborne Advanced UAV ROUNDUP The A70 drone by Advanced UAV is manufactured in Alberta. FEATURE