Ag Genius Use Drones and Weather Data to Optimize Crop Health and Commodity Forecasting

Ag Genius is spearheading an innovative research project that leverages drone technology to enhance crop health assessment and improve commodity price forecasting. This initiative utilizes Wingtra fixed-wing drones, which are approximately 5 feet wide and a couple of inches thick. These drones are equipped with custom cameras with hyperspectral imaging capabilities.

The advanced hyperspectral cameras on the drones can detect the amount of green light radiated by the leaves and other parts of the plant, which is key to the photosynthesis process. By monitoring these factors, the drones can provide detailed insights into crop health, including plant vigor, growth stages, and potential stress factors such as diseases or pest infestations.

Once the data is collected, it is analyzed using sophisticated algorithms to generate comprehensive reports on crop conditions. When fully operational, the goal is to monitor crops across 10 states, which together account for 75% of the total national output of these commodities. By providing this crucial data to farmers free of charge, Ag Genius will help them optimize their crop management practices, ultimately leading to better yields and higher profitability.

This past week, Marshall Hobbs of TruWeather Solutions visited the site to experience the research flights firsthand and share insight into how low-altitude weather plays a role in daily flight operations. Starting with the take-off/landing process, the drone was set on the ground with the camera facing directly into the wind. It then ascended vertically to about 100 feet, spiraling up to just below 400 feet. The landing process is nearly the inverse of the take-off/landing process, where the rotors are used to lower the drone down vertically.

Wind, especially gusts, put immense strain on the battery during the take-off and landing periods. In fact, much of the battery life was used just during those brief portions of the flight. Once the drone was at its designated flight altitude, the question became how much winds impacted the data collection. So far, the research team concluded that data collection did not see a considerable drop-off even with elevated winds at flight level. Still, this variable will need to be tested further as the project progresses.

Low-altitude weather could become especially meaningful as the research team hopes to transition beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) to flights using a drone-in-the-box solution by 2026. The research team’s ambitious plans are to apply for a BVLOS waiver initially at 1500 feet in 2025 and then eventually fly up to 3500 feet completely automated by 2026. The final iteration has the potential to gather data for 1,000,000 acres a day or 100,000 acres per day for the 10 states involved and is set to revolutionize the industry.

The transition to BVLOS adds the variable of weather uncertainty to the equation. Cloud deck height and gust spread impact the effectiveness of hyperspectral lenses for agricultural sensing. Low cloud decks may affect the accuracy of hyperspectral imaging, and gusty winds can also compromise the data quality and lead to uncertainty in-flight decisions. Both low-altitude weather variables are easier to detect if you have sensors at the operational flight locations: a ceilometer to determine cloud height and ceiling and a mounted anemometer to assess winds at flight level.

The research team has built-in weather contingencies in its operation. Specifically, it has called upon TruWeather Solutions to supply it with the pertinent details on how low-altitude weather’s effects can best be managed within the project. One of the leaders of the AgGenius research project, Darryl Jenkins, said, “We chose TruWeather solutions as we know they are the leader in this field.”

TruWeather can assess where it is best to add low-cost sensors that inform real-time decision-making of flights: where/when to fly, at what flight level, and for how long based on wind and ceiling information. TruWeather Solutions is committed to personalizing a low-altitude weather ecosystem that supports the research team’s objective, and we are humbled to have the trust and opportunity to showcase how weather can be a differentiator. TruWeather Solutions is an important part of this team as it will assist in planning the optimal location for flying the drones each day. Without a correct hyperlocal weather forecast, the imaging team may only be able to fly 3.5 days per week. However, with better forecasts at local levels, the fleet can operate at 5 days per week, increasing the revenue potential by 1.5 days per week. Over a growing season, this adds up to over one additional week of flying time.