Shelby County Farmer Tests Drone Seeding for Cover Crops

A Shelby County farmer is testing a new method for planting winter cover crops using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Andrew McDaniel operates a 100% no-till farm where he plants cover crops on approximately 80% of his fields each year. These crops, such as oats and radishes, remain in the ground through the winter to protect soil health. McDaniel stated that these plants help hold nutrients, improve water infiltration, and reduce erosion. He noted that different fields require different species of cover crops because no two farms are identical.

Traditionally, McDaniel has used a conventional air seeder planter to drill these seeds into the soil. This year, he switched to a different approach for his first season of drone application. He worked with Geis Aerial Application, a business operated by the Geis brothers. McDaniel explained that the primary advantage of using a drone is the ability to apply seeds while the main crop is still standing in the field. This timing gives the new seeds a head start to emerge before the main harvest begins. By the time the farmer harvests the primary crop, the cover crop already has a significant growth advantage.

Lane Geis, co-owner of Geis Aerial Application, said the brothers started the company to serve local farmers. He emphasized that drone technology allows for precise placement of seeds, particularly in fields with trees or irregular boundaries. The use of GPS enables the operators to control exactly where the product is deposited, ensuring efficiency. Geis expressed confidence that this technology will become more common in the region. He predicted that many more farmers will utilize this tool in the coming years.

McDaniel observed that the use of cover crops is expanding across Indiana. He estimated that roughly 1.5 million acres of cover crops are planted in the state annually. While the benefits are clear, McDaniel described the transition as a long-term journey rather than a one-year change. He characterized the practice as a commitment for farmers willing to invest in soil health over time.