FAA Approves Drone Swarms for More Affordable, Efficient Farming

The FAA granted an exemption allowing drone "swarms" to fly together to seed and spray crops, which costs a fraction of traditional methods.

A set of 3 drones costs substantially less than a single tractor, uses less water and fuel, and allows farmers to cover more area faster.

The new rules allow a 2-person team to fly up to 3 drones at once in a swarm, tripling the coverage area.

Drones start around $50,000 each while tractors can cost over $500,000, making drones more affordable.

Drones have many agricultural uses beyond spraying and seeding, like dropping tree seeds after wildfires or helping aquatic farmers.