Central Coast Now Using Drones For Conservation-Friendly Farming

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Central Coast industrial farmers are beginning to use large drones designed specifically for conservation.

For the first time in 25 years, the U.S. Drought Monitor declared the state of California 100% drought free, thanks to the winter storms.

But that quarter century of persistent drought conditions has led to the development of farm technologies focused on conservation.

Drone manufacturer Hylio, Inc. has developed large drones designed specifically to increase output while reducing input, and they already have some clients on the Central Coast.

Conservation is always on the minds of industrial farmers.

“Basically a 10 to 1 water usage ratio,” says Arthur Erickson, CEO of Hylio. “So whatever a tractor might use for a similar application, the drone needs a 10th of that to be as effective, if not more effective. You go from 20 gallons an acre with a tractor to 2 or 3 gallons per acre with the drone. It's obvious who the winner is here for, for doing applications.”

CEO of Hylio Arthur Erickson says this drone technology is here to stay, and can be instrumental in maintaining California’s status as drought-free.

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