Drones Benefit Summer Farming

Drones can save time when looking for livestock or checking the condition of fences on summer pastures. Researchers at Agroscope have studied the factors that influence the use of drones in summer farming.

Drones are used in many sectors today – such as agriculture, infrastructure monitoring or civil protection. They can help reduce the workload in summer farming too. Here, they are mainly used for monitoring livestock, checking fences and assessing damage after wolf attacks. Agroscope researchers have investigated which factors influence the take-up of this technology in a study conducted in the context of the Alpine and Mountain Farming Experimental Station.

Drones are helpful when summer farmers reach their limits

Analysis of farm census data shows that drones are mainly used on farms with high livestock numbers, complex field topography and permanent shepherding. In other words, drones are used to monitor areas that those working in the mountains cannot easily access, without entirely replacing humans. Protected areas are an impediment, as drones are not permitted to fly in these zones without an exemption permit, if at all.

Use of drones involves numerous stakeholders

The decision to use drones is not taken in isolation, but involves numerous stakeholders working together to provide resources, financial support or advice and policy guidance. In turn, drone users, such as summer farmers and shepherds, provide feedback which contributes to the take-up of the technology. Successful implementation thus depends not only on the decision at individual farm level, but also on inter-farm and structural framework conditions.

Decision depends on degree of open-mindedness

The decision to use drones is influenced by factors such as openness to new technologies and willingness to acquire new knowledge. Although financial support is limited, targeted investment in simple, affordable drones can reduce the workload. Drones will not revolutionise summer farming but can be meaningfully integrated into existing structures – provided they are adapted to the specific conditions and personalities on the ground. Although this sounds like a strong incentive for the extensive use of drones, at present their use remains limited.

Future of summer farming: need for research, training and legal framework for the use of drones

Drone use could increase in future, especially when farms are taken over by younger generations. Further research to determine the time and associated cost savings is needed to assess the potentially far-reaching implications of using drones on summer farms. In addition, targeted training events and legal clarity could support the spread of drones and help safeguard the future of summer farming.