Drones for Cattle? Here is What to Know

From checking fences to tracking herds, drones are reshaping ranch work—and here is your guide.

AuthorAuthor

Harlan Gunderson & Jerry Gunderson
July 24, 2025

Imagine managing your entire herd from the sky—no saddle, no sweat. Today’s drones are doing more than snapping photos; they’re spotting sick cattle, checking water levels, and even herding livestock with just a few clicks. As labor costs rise and land gets tougher to cover, tech like this isn’t just helpful, it’s becoming essential. In this issue, we’re breaking down how aerial tools are reshaping ranching from the ground up.

In today’s issue:

  • Sky’s the Limit: Meet Rob Eklund, a fifth-generation rancher using drones to track health, patrol fences, and manage pastures with pinpoint precision.

  • Autonomous Ranching: From barking drones to AI-driven herding systems, we explore what’s coming next for the 21st-century ranch.

  • Top Drone Vendors: Ranking the top five ag drone vendors: who’s leading, what they offer, and which is right for your operation.

  • And much more…

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BEST LINKS

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  • Navigating the Future: Livestock Monitoring Market Trends and Forecast Insights, 2025 Edition (OpenPR)
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  • Applications of GPS Technology 2025 in Agriculture (Farmonaut)
    GPS isn’t just for tractors—ranchers are now using it for real-time livestock tracking, precision grazing, water point monitoring, and automated fence planning to improve efficiency and reduce labor across large pastures.

  • £3m project to examine digital innovation in livestock sector (Farming Online)
    A new £3 million UK initiative will pilot digital tools—like sensors, AI analytics, and remote monitoring—to help livestock farmers reduce disease, optimize feed efficiency, and make data-driven breeding decisions.

  • Virtual Fence Field Day scheduled near Hemingford (IANR News)
    Nebraska ranchers are invited to a field day demonstration of virtual fencing—showcasing live collar trials, setup tips, and pasture rotation strategies to help cattle operators explore GPS-based containment firsthand.

  • LoneStar Tracking Launches Affordable BLE GPS Ear Tag for Cattle Monitoring (EIN Presswire)
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    New Zealand’s LIC is emerging as a strong ag‑tech play, offering DNA‑based breeding solutions and real‑time herd performance analytics that help cattle operations accelerate genetic gains and improve herd profitability.

  • Why TZ cattle electronic ear tagging a great leap forward (Daily News)
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  • Virtual fencing comes to Sheridan County (Laramie Boomerang)
    Sheridan County is launching virtual fencing trials to support local cattle producers, offering live demos and expert Q+A for ranchers interested in GPS-based grazing control and rotational management.

DEEP DIVE

The Future of Cattle Ranching Takes Flight

Editor's Note: As the agricultural drone market explodes toward $4.8 billion by 2025, cattle ranchers are discovering that the sky's the limit for modern livestock management. We spoke with Rob Eklund, a fifth-generation rancher and Southwest pilot, to get the ground truth on how drones are revolutionizing operations today—and what tomorrow's autonomous ranch will look like.

Top 3 Drone Applications Transforming Cattle Ranching Today

1. Thermal Health Monitoring & Precision Livestock Location

Rob Eklund knows the challenge firsthand: "Drones equipped with thermal imaging can locate cattle in rugged terrain, dense brush, or during low visibility conditions like early morning or dusk," he explains. "It's especially valuable during calving season to identify isolated or struggling animals quickly."

The most impactful application is thermal imaging for early disease detection. Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect animals with elevated body temperatures—a common early sign of illness—by flying over herds without disturbing them DSLRProsScienceDirect. Eklund adds that "drones help identify injured or sick cattle by spotting abnormal movement patterns or heat signatures."

Real-world impact: More than 60% of cattle losses in the US are health-related, a statistic that thermal imaging can significantly reduce Artificial intelligence applied to precision livestock farming: A tertiary study - ScienceDirect. Cargill's CattleView system in Brazil has demonstrated that this technology can reduce rancher labor costs by approximately $1 per head per year while increasing general profit by $6 per animal per year The Future of Cattle Feedlots: Automation, Data, and Precision Livestock Farming - GIS user technology news.

2. Infrastructure Inspection & Ranch Asset Management

"Ranchers can cover miles of fence line efficiently, spotting broken wires, downed posts, or open gates without needing to ride the perimeter," Eklund notes. This aerial inspection capability extends beyond fencing: "Drones also allow for inspection of water tanks, windmills, feeders, and even remote ranch buildings."

The precision factor is crucial—"High-resolution cameras with GPS tagging help mark exact locations for follow-up repairs," making maintenance scheduling dramatically more efficient.

Efficiency gains: A 30-minute drone flight replaces hours of physical property inspection, freeing ranchers for other essential tasks and eliminating the need for additional ranch hands during routine monitoring operations, cutting labor expenses by 20-35% Unlocking the potential of precision agriculture for sustainable farming | Discover Agriculture.

3. Advanced Pasture Management & Rotational Grazing

Eklund emphasizes the strategic value: "Aerial views provide a comprehensive picture of herd distribution and pasture usage. Drones can help with rotational grazing planning, identify overgrazed areas, and assess forage availability."

The technology goes beyond simple observation. "Integration with mapping software allows for NDVI analysis, which measures pasture health and vegetation density," Eklund explains, highlighting how modern ranchers are becoming precision agriculture practitioners.

Drones equipped with high-resolution RGB and multispectral sensors make managing pastures and water sources more efficient, capturing detailed images that reveal signs of overgrazing, soil erosion, or areas where weeds are beginning to take over Livestock Management Drones | DSLRPros.

Inventory automation: For feedlot owners, managing yard inventory is a large part of daily operations that requires significant time and labor. Drones can automate the cattle counting process with software that can take one still image and accurately identify the number of animals in a pen without disturbing or adding stress to the cattle Artificial intelligence applied to precision livestock farming: A tertiary study - ScienceDirect.

The Autonomous Future: What's Coming Next

Fully Autonomous Herding Systems

SkyKelpie in Australia has demonstrated the world's first live remote muster at the 'Beef 2024' exhibition, with their system featuring a docking station where drones can land, recharge, and take off according to programmed schedules. "What's really cool now is if you have connectivity on both ends—at the docking station and where the pilot is situated—you can operate that drone from anywhere in the world," said Luke Chaplain, SkyKelpie's founder.

AI-Powered Behavioral Analytics

Researchers are developing networks of autonomous barking drones that can replace traditional herding methods, with the objective of quickly collecting thousands of farm animals from sparse status and driving them to designated locations Robot Roundup: Autonomous cattle herding studied by MSU scientists may be game changer | Mississippi State University. Studies show that compared to sheepdogs, using drones to herd cattle and sheep is faster and causes less pressure on animals AI in Precision Livestock Farming Market Size & Industry Growth 2030.

Integrated Precision Livestock Farming (PLF)

The future points toward comprehensive systems combining RFID and GPS tracking, automated feeders, AI-powered health monitoring, and drones for surveillance in unified precision livestock farming platforms Review: Precision Livestock Farming technologies in pasture-based livestock systems - ScienceDirect. One rancher's dream scenario involves typing in an RFID number and having the drone automatically locate and find that specific cow on the range review and future trends of precision livestock over dairy and beef cow cattle with artificial intelligence | Logic Journal of the IGPL | Oxford Academic.

Swarm Intelligence & Predictive Analytics

The integration of machine learning algorithms and computer vision technologies for animal behavior analysis is rising, with predictive analytics and real-time monitoring systems becoming standard. Upcoming trends include autonomous systems like drones and robots for feeding, cleaning, and herd management AI-Based Smart Farming. The Rise of Machine Learning in Livestock Farming - nexocode.

Looking ahead, scientists at Mississippi State University are studying how herding principles might apply to robots, with a goal of creating rules for autonomous herding vehicles, noting that "we don't have rules for how one vehicle, let alone a team, should work to detect, see and move cows".

Market Reality Check

The technology isn't just theoretical—it's scaling rapidly. The commercial value of drones in agriculture is expected to reach $5 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 31% from 2019 Artificial intelligence applied to precision livestock farming: A tertiary study - ScienceDirect. Entry-level livestock monitoring drones cost $500-$1,500, while professional systems range from $3,000-$20,000 Unlocking the potential of precision agriculture for sustainable farming | Discover Agriculture.

For ranchers like Eklund, who combines aviation expertise with generational ranching knowledge, the integration feels natural. The combination of traditional stockmanship with cutting-edge technology represents the evolution of an industry that's always adapted to new tools—from horses to helicopters, and now to autonomous aerial systems.

Bottom line: We're witnessing the birth of the "21st century ranch hand"—where drones are becoming essential tools rather than toys, with ranchers already using them in novel ways that exceed traditional expectations AI in Precision Livestock Farming Market Size & Industry Growth 2030. The future ranch will be a symphony of autonomous systems working in harmony, monitored from anywhere in the world, ensuring healthier cattle, more efficient operations, and sustainable land management.

The question isn't whether drones will transform cattle ranching—it's how quickly ranchers will adapt to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. As Eklund's experience shows, the most successful operations will be those that blend generational wisdom with technological innovation.

RESEARCH REPORT

Top 5 Drone Vendors for Cattle Ranching & Agriculture

Based on comprehensive market data, deployment statistics, and rancher feedback

Executive Summary

Global agricultural drone usage has exploded 90% since 2020, with 400,000 drones now operational worldwide across 100 countries Cattle Herding Drones Complete First Live Demonstration. The agriculture drone market is projected to reach $8.03 billion by 2029 at a 32.0% CAGR Top 10 Leading Companies Revolutionizing the Agriculture Drones Market. Here are the five dominant vendors reshaping cattle ranching operations:

1. DJI Agriculture (China) - Market Leader

Market Share: 70% global market share, with an estimated 74.3% dominance in overall drone manufacturing IoT World TodayQueensland Country Life

Key Products for Cattle Ranching:

Cattle-Specific Advantages:

Real-World Deployment: Cargill's CattleView system uses DJI technology to reduce labor costs by $1 per head annually while increasing profits by $6 per animal per year The Future of Cattle Feedlots: Automation, Data, and Precision Livestock Farming - GIS user technology news

2. SkyKelpie (Australia) - Livestock Herding Specialist

Specialization: World's first commercialized drone cattle herding platform

Breakthrough Achievement: Completed the world's first live demonstration of autonomous cattle herding at Beef2024 exhibition, with remote operation capabilities from anywhere globally Revolutionising cattle mustering with drones in North Queensland | North Queensland Register | QLD

Market Penetration: Over 100,000 head of livestock currently being drone-mustered by SkyKelpie customers across Australia Revolutionising cattle mustering with drones in North Queensland | North Queensland Register | QLD

Key Offerings:

  • Complete training programs for drone mustering and aerial stockmanship

  • Docking station technology for 24/7 autonomous operations

  • Equipment packages built around DJI hardware with specialized software

Industry Impact: Founded by fourth-generation rancher Luke Chaplain with backing from Meat & Livestock Australia and Queensland Department of Agriculture

3. Parrot Drone SAS (France) - Precision Agriculture Focus

Market Position: Europe's leading commercial micro-UAV group specializing in precision agriculture Top 10 Leading Companies Revolutionizing the Agriculture Drones Market

Cattle Ranching Solutions:

Technical Strengths:

4. XAG (China) - Autonomous Systems Pioneer

Specialization: Major player specializing in autonomous crop spraying and seeding drones with AI, robotics, and big data analytics integration Drones (UAVs) Revolutionize Livestock Mustering - Neousys Think Tank

Cattle Industry Applications:

Innovation Focus:

  • Fully autonomous operations reducing manual intervention

  • Integration with smart farming ecosystems

  • Focus on reducing chemical usage through precision application

5. AgEagle Aerial Systems (USA) - Specialized Agricultural Focus

Market Position: Develops drones tailored specifically for agriculture with focus on aerial imaging and crop scouting Drones (UAVs) Revolutionize Livestock Mustering - Neousys Think Tank

Ranch-Relevant Products:

Competitive Advantages:

Expert Pilot Tips from the Field

Rob Eklund, fifth-generation rancher and Southwest pilot, shares his combat-tested approach to ranch drone operations:

"Practice, practice, practice—then run a quick debrief after each flight like we did after combat missions: what worked, what didn't, what to improve."

Eklund's six essential tips for ranchers entering the drone space:

  1. Master Your Domain: "Know your airspace and your land—watch for power lines, trees, hills, and wind tunnels. Stay under 400 ft and check for nearby airports or restricted zones."

  2. Pre-Flight Protocol: "Use a preflight checklist—batteries, props, GPS lock, return-to-home set." This military-style discipline prevents costly mistakes and lost aircraft.

  3. Manual Mastery: "Master manual control—don't rely solely on GPS." When technology fails over rugged ranch terrain, pilot skill is your safety net.

  4. Weather Wisdom: "Respect weather—don't fly in wind, rain, or low vis." Ranch conditions can change rapidly, especially in open country.

  5. Regulatory Readiness: "Stay current on FAA rules—Part 107 is smart if you go commercial." Professional certification opens doors to expanded operations and liability protection.

  6. Continuous Improvement: Post-flight debriefs identify patterns and improvement opportunities—a practice that separates professional operators from hobbyists.

Market Dynamics & Trends

Regulatory Environment: Countries like Argentina and Spain are easing restrictions while Brazil has standardized pilot training, though the US regulatory environment presents ongoing challenges Cattle Herding Drones Complete First Live Demonstration

Cost Analysis: Entry-level livestock monitoring drones cost $500-$1,500, while professional systems range $3,000-$20,000 Unlocking the potential of precision agriculture for sustainable farming | Discover Agriculture

Adoption Drivers: Increasing demand for automation and rising labor costs are major factors driving growth, with North America leading at 45.0% market share Queensland grazier has his eye on the sky | Queensland AgTech

Bottom Line for Ranchers

The drone vendor landscape is rapidly consolidating around proven leaders. DJI dominates through comprehensive ecosystems and proven ROI. SkyKelpie represents the cutting edge of livestock-specific innovation. Parrot offers cost-effective European alternatives. XAG pushes autonomous boundaries. AgEagle provides specialized US-based solutions.

Recommendation: For established operations, start with DJI's proven ecosystem. For pioneering ranchers ready to lead the herding revolution, SkyKelpie's specialized platform offers transformational capabilities. Choose based on your operation's scale, technical expertise, and appetite for innovation.

As Eklund emphasizes: "The technology is only as good as the operator behind it. Invest in training, respect the equipment, and treat drone operations with the same professionalism you'd apply to any critical ranch tool."

The cattle ranching industry is at an inflection point—early adopters of these technologies are already seeing measurable improvements in efficiency, animal welfare, and profitability. Success depends not just on choosing the right platform, but on developing the operational discipline to use it effectively.

WRAPPING UP

From monitoring herd health to mapping pastures and checking fence lines, drone technology is giving ranchers a new set of eyes in the sky—saving time, reducing labor, and boosting efficiency across operations. Whether you're flying your own or partnering with a service, it's clear drones are no longer a novelty—they're a serious tool for modern cattle management.

And if you think that’s cutting-edge, just wait.

Next week, we’ll dive into CRISPR: the gene-editing breakthrough that could reshape cattle breeding, disease resistance, and even climate resilience. You won’t want to miss it.

BeefTech.News – Keeping you ahead of the herd.

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