Agricultural Drones in Australia: Weed Control, Seeding and Crop Monitoring
Three jobs an agriculture drone does well, and the equipment that goes with each.
· 8 min read · Agriculture Systems Lead
An agricultural drone is a flying tool for three main jobs: applying liquids, spreading granules and checking crop health. Farming and drones now fit together on everything from small orchards to large broadacre properties, because one operator can cover ground quickly without driving over wet or uneven paddocks. This guide explains weed control, aerial seeding and crop monitoring, and the equipment each needs.
DJI agriculture drones for weed control in Australia
For drone weed control in Australia, the DJI Agras range is the usual starting point. The Agras T25P suits small properties and orchards, the Agras T50 suits larger paddocks and contractors, and the Agras T100 is the heavy-lift flagship. Each flies a programmed route and applies product at a set rate, so you treat weeds without driving over wet or uneven ground. Commercial application still needs the right CASA accreditation and chemical-use approvals.
Agriculture drones and the jobs they do
| Job | What the drone does | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Weed control | Applies targeted treatments over paddocks and fence lines | Spraying drone with nozzles or atomised sprinklers |
| Aerial seeding and fertiliser | Spreads seed, fertiliser or other granules | Spreading system on a heavy-lift aircraft |
| Crop monitoring | Maps plant health to show where to act | Multispectral camera and analysis software |
Agriculture drone spraying for weed control
Agriculture drone spraying lets you treat weeds without driving across wet ground, and it reaches steep or awkward blocks that ground machinery struggles with. A spraying drone for drone weed control carries a tank and nozzles and flies a programmed route, applying product at a set rate. Match the tank size to the area you treat: the DJI Agras T25P carries 20 kg for small properties and orchards, the Agras T50 carries 40 kg, and the Agras T100 is the heavy-lift flagship with a 100 L spraying tank. See our agricultural spraying drones guide for a full comparison.
Aerial seeding and fertiliser spreading
An aerial seeding drone swaps the spray tank for a spreading system that drops seed or granules over the paddock. This suits over-sowing pasture, cover crops and fertiliser top-ups, particularly where ground access is limited. The Agras range carries spreading systems as well as spray systems: the T25P has a 25 kg spreading payload, the T50 a 50 kg payload, and the T100 a 150 L spreading tank. Add the T50 spreading system or the 150L spreading system to match your aircraft.
Crop monitoring with multispectral drones
Knowing where to act saves product and time. A multispectral drone captures light that the eye cannot see, such as near-infrared and red edge, to show plant vigour across a paddock. The DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral carries four 5 MP multispectral cameras plus a 4/3 RGB camera and built-in RTK. Our multispectral cameras and DJI Terra Agriculture software turn the images into maps you can use to plan treatments. Combine them with a sprayer for variable-rate work.
What you need besides the aircraft
- Batteries and charging: heavy aircraft need several large batteries; see the Agras batteries and C10000 power supply.
- A generator so charging continues in the field: the D14000iE generator.
- Nozzles and spreaders matched to the product you apply.
- Training and accreditation: CASA and chemical-use rules apply to commercial application.
Browse every spraying drone and spraying accessory we supply.
Running a farm or contracting business
Landholders often start with a compact drone for their own paddocks. Contractors choose larger aircraft to cover more hectares per day and add a second battery set so they never wait. Ask what regional demand looks like: operators across Victoria and other states search for drone spraying services in their area, which creates a market for contractors with the right accreditation.
Planning the season
Treatment windows are short, so plan equipment before the busy period. Order batteries and spare parts early, test the aircraft on a small block before the main job and calibrate the spray rate against the label. Set up a simple record for each flight with the product, rate, wind and area so you can show what was applied. Keep a second set of nozzles, filters and propellers on hand, because a small part can stop a whole day of work. If you contract to neighbours, agree the paddock boundaries, buffer zones and sensitive areas in advance and check the wind direction before every flight.
Rules and responsible use
Commercial spraying has CASA and state chemical-use requirements. Confirm your accreditation, keep application records and read the label of every product before you apply it. Our quote form bundles the aircraft, batteries, charger and set-up for your property. Questions? Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best agricultural drone for a small farm?
The DJI Agras T25P is the most practical for small properties and orchards because it folds and one person can handle it. Larger farms and contractors choose the T50, T70P or T100.
How does drone weed control work in Australia?
A spraying drone such as the DJI Agras T25P, T50 or T100 flies a programmed route and applies product at a set rate, treating weeds without driving over wet or steep ground. Commercial work needs the right CASA accreditation and chemical-use approvals, and you should read every product label first.
Can an agricultural drone spread seed as well as spray?
Yes. The Agras range carries spreading systems for seed and fertiliser as well as spraying systems.
How does a multispectral drone help?
It maps plant health across a paddock so you can target treatments where they are needed instead of treating everything.
Featured products
- DJI Agras T25P – $17,530 AUD
- DJI Agras T50 – $21,999 AUD
- DJI Agras T100 – $30,380 AUD
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral – $7,919 AUD